alto rilievo
- noun
- Specialized
:
alto relieve
- The figures in the monument were carved in alto rilievo, creating dramatic shadows and depth.
Examples
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Many ancient temples feature alto rilievo panels depicting mythological scenes.
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She studied the techniques of alto rilievo to emulate classical masterpieces.
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Look at this alto rilievo!
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The alto rilievo is beautiful.
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Many ancient temples feature alto rilievo panels depicting mythological scenes.
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The figures in the monument were carved in alto rilievo, creating dramatic shadows and depth.
-
She studied the techniques of alto rilievo to emulate classical masterpieces.
Synonyms
16
7.3
A carved design that stands out from a flat surface, like on a coin
1
8.2
A carving where figures stand out far from the flat background
A form of sculpture where figures stick out far from a flat background to look three-dimensional
A carved design on a wall that stands out from a flat background
A raised image carved into a flat surface that stands out from the background
How High
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
alto + rilievo
The phrase literally combines Italian alto = 'high' and rilievo = 'relief', so its meaning 'high relief' is directly derivable from the constituent meanings. While both words are borrowings and may be unfamiliar to a typical B1 English learner, if the learner knows the constituent words (e.g., via Romance-language knowledge), the composition is transparent and predictable.
Etymology
The noun alto rilievo comes from the Italian words alto 'high' and rilievo 'raised area'. Sculptors used this phrase for figures cut so they stand out far from the flat background and cast deep shadows, so it means 'high relief' in sculpture.