Marble Sculptures
Bas Relief Sculptures
Bas-Relief is an ancient art form that has been used for thousands of years by artists from different countries and cultures. It is closely linked to high relief sculpture. Some of the earliest known bas-reliefs are on the walls of caves, perhaps 30,000 years ago. Petroglyphs—images carved onto the walls of caves or other rock surfaces—were sometimes treated with color, as well, which helped to accentuate the reliefs.

Later, bas- reliefs were added to the surface of stone structures built by ancient Egyptians and Assyrian people. You can see similar examples of these types of sculptures in ancient Greek and Roman art. One such famous sculpture is the Parthenon Frieze which features sculptures of Poseidon, Apollon, and Artemis. Some of the most famous bas relief sculptures ever made were created during the ancient times. Examples include the Temple of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Lion Capital of Ashokan Empire in India.
Bas Relief vs High Relief
Custom Sculptures Made in Vermont
The Fine Art Bas Relief works created by Sculptor M. Julian Isaacson are unique one-of-a-kind works that add a natural beauty inside or outside your home or business. These original works are hand carved by the artist with hammer and chisel in marble. Bas Relief is a two-dimensional technique requiring patience and tenacity. The skill of creating the appearance of 3 dimensions while actually working in 2 dimensions represents years of practice and hard work. The artist uses a direct carving technique. He draws the “cartoon” directly on the stone, then utilizes a variety of tools and chisels to cut in and pull the final work out through cutting away the surface.
As you visit Julian’s personal gallery of Art (see gallery of bas-relief images below) you will see that these works represent the artist’s ideas and concepts. They are all original works and are not available for duplication except in the instance of limited casting; the artists’ system of Fine Art Reproduction, of which the artist holds the rights in reserve. The original pieces will be signed by the artist and delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The artist will also work with you to create originals by Commission that are designed specifically for you or for your home or business application. Sculptor M.Julian Isaacson uses this same technique to develop Portraits that can be reproduced for other family members as gifts or as a Monument & Memorial.
Custom Interior Ideas:
- Custom Tiles
- Water Features – wall or pool installations
- Marble Bas Relief Interiors
- Custom Fireplace Surround
- Custom Wall Murals
- Custom Carved Marble Showers
- Functional Art
Featured: The Muse
In the works. THE MUSE. Vintage Vermont Marble hand carved with hammer and chisel. This is a local piece of marble, at least 150 years old and very dense allowing a lot of hard won detail. Approximately 3’ by 1 1/2’ by 4”. It represents the impact of a good woman on a man of stature and strength, allowing space for his softer side.