What is a key feature of Relief Sculpture?

The key feature of relief sculpture is that it projects from a flat surface. Relief sculpture is a decorative style in which the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect, allowing figures and images to stand out from the flat background while still being a part of it.

In contrast, being entirely freestanding describes sculpture in the round, which exists independently of any background. Carving from a single block refers to specific techniques in stone carving but does not define relief sculpture. The existence in multiple editions relates more closely to reproduction techniques, such as casting or molding, which are not characteristic of relief sculpture as a form. Therefore, the distinction of relief sculpture lies in its projection from a flat surface, giving it its unique dimensional quality.