Page 171 - "LOW RELIEF"

"In the name, we see that we are talking about subtle differences in surface planes. If there are significant differences, then it's called "High Relief". With respect to 3d sculpture which have an infinite number of perspectives from which to be viewed, low relief is seen only from it's front. What is important is where things are, perspective, and the effect of producing volume.

These days hardly anyone points up a low relief, either they do it with an automatic pantograph, or they do it by eye. The pantograph traces the form of a modelwith a needle, while on the other side it has a blade which cuts the marble slabs in perfect harmony with the needle that is tracing the form on the model. The smaller the point, the slower the machine moves over the surface, and the lines of the cuts are closed together - the work is more detailed. The bad part of the system is:

1 - Cost of the machine
2 -The work can be burned by high velocity blades
3 - The model is gradually abraded and deteriorates

The pantograph is used for repetitive things like fireplaces, and the third problem can be eliminated by making models in cement or bronze. The burning problem can be solved by altering the original model, so it doesn't have right angle steps for the blade to climb." [..]