Sculpture is, by far, the most expressive form of plastic arts. Much like its elder cousin, architecture, it represents the physical manifestation of the human creative potential, which is why, sculpting has succeeded in maintaining its position as a stand-alone and dignified art form throughout the ages. The art of sculpting was invented to complement and accessorize architecture, in order to add an aesthetic touch to the latter. So, most of the very early examples of sculptures can be found adorning the friezes, niches, walls, columns, etc., of grand architectural edifices. Essentially three-dimensional in form―bearing the dimensions of height, width, and depth―sculptures can be executed in a wide array of materials such as wood, stone, clay, ceramic, metals (brass, bronze, iron, gold, silver, lead, aluminum, etc.), ivory, fiberglass, resin, and even sand. Their longevity depends on the type of material used to make them. There are different techniques used to make these sculptures. The most famous amongst these include free-standing sculptures and carving them in reliefs―high, low, sunk, counter, etc. In this Buzzle write-up, we will compare and contrast the bas (low)-relief sculptures, and those made in high relief. Before we go on to learn about the difference between the two sculpture techniques, it should be noted that, more often than not, the distinction between the two is subjective in nature, especially in cases where the two techniques are combined in a single piece of work. Nevertheless, here are some points worth comparing between the two sculpture techniques. Relief sculptures are common all across the world, and can be generally found adorning the walls of architectural edifices. However, in certain instances, these sculptures have also been discovered in smaller settings, such as sarcophagi and so on. It is also worth noting that in the early phases, most low-reliefs were painted, so as to make the forms sharper and more prominent. No write-up about sculptures can be complete without pictures. Here are some good examples of bas-relief and high relief sculptures for you to look at. ** Click on the images to enlarge. Reliefs are generally used to depict complex subjects, having several figures with animated poses so that an extended narrative of a particular event/myth may be represented. Owing to this, most of the relief sculptures that have been discovered till today, are in the form of huge horizontal and/or vertical panels, and bear all sorts of figures and motifs. Even today, high and low relief sculptures occupy a prominent place in the art of sculpting, and continue to remain popular the world over.