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Glite Dictionary
alto relievo

alto relievo

9.9
A form of sculpture where figures stick out far from a flat background to look three-dimensional
  • noun
  • /ˈæltoʊ rɪˈliːvoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alto relieve
  • The ancient frieze was carved in alto relievo, making the figures nearly life-like.

Examples

  • Many Renaissance sculptures are executed in alto relievo to create depth and drama.

  • The museum’s new exhibit highlights the technique of alto relievo in religious art.

  • The artist created a stunning alto relievo for the museum.

  • Can you identify the alto relievo in that sculpture?

  • Many Renaissance sculptures are executed in alto relievo to create depth and drama.

  • The ancient frieze was carved in alto relievo, making the figures nearly life-like.

  • The museum’s new exhibit highlights the technique of alto relievo in religious art.

Synonyms

relief
vsalto relievo
  • Specialized
16 7.3

A carved design that stands out from a flat surface, like on a coin

narrows this to figures projecting at least half their depth for strong three dimensionality
high relief
vsalto relievo
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A carving where figures stand out far from the flat background

is the Italian name for the same pronounced half depth projection
alto rilievo
vsalto relievo
  • Specialized
9.9

A deep sculpture where carved figures stand out from the background

is the modern standard spelling despite identical deep projection
relievo
vsalto relievo
  • Specialized
9.9

A carved design on a wall that stands out from a flat background

specifies that projection reaches at least half the depth rather than any depth
sculptural relief
vsalto relievo
  • Specialized
7.9

A raised image carved into a flat surface that stands out from the background

emphasizes the specific deep projection of at least half the figure depth

How High

alto relievo
  • Specialized
9.9
low relief
  • Specialized
7.8

Surface Forms

alto relievo singular
alto relievos plural

Morphology

alto + relievo

The phrase is literally compositional: 'alto' = high and 'relievo' = relief (protruding sculpture), so a learner who knows both constituents can derive 'high relief' — figures projecting strongly from the background. Although a borrowed Italian term used in art contexts, the meaning follows straightforward composition and has direct parallels in other languages (e.g., Spanish 'alto relieve', French 'haut-relief'), making it transparent.

Etymology

Alto relievo comes from Italian words alto ('high') and relievo ('relief'). It refers to a carving where the figures are raised far out from the background so they stand out and look almost real.