Sculpture, an artistic form in which hard or plastic materials are worked into three-dimensional art objects. The designs may be embodied in freestanding objects ...SculptureSections&MediaEncyclopediaArticleIntroductionElementsandprinciplesofsculpturaldesignElementsofdesignPrinciplesofdesignRelationshipstootherartsMaterialsPrimaryOthermaterialsMethodsandtechniquesThesculptorasdesignerandascraftsmanGeneralmethodsCarvingIndirectcarvingCarvingtoolsandtechniquesModelingModelingforcastingModelingforpotterysculptureGeneralcharacteristicsofmodeledsculptureConstructingandassemblingDirectmetalsculptureReproductionandsurface-finishingtechniquesCastingandmoldingPointingSurfacefinishingSmoothingandpolishingPaintingGildingPatinationElectroplatingOtherfinishesForms,subjectmatter,imagery,andsymbolismofsculptureSculptureintheroundReliefsculptureModernformsofsculptureRepresentationalsculptureThehumanfigureDevotionalimagesandnarrativesculpturePortraitureScenesofeverydaylifeAnimalsFantasyOthersubjectsNonrepresentationalsculptureAppliedsculptureSymbolismUsesofsculptureExpandMediaVideosImagesAdditionalInfoAdditionalReadingMoreArticlesOnThisTopicContributorsArticleHistoryHomeVisualArtsSculptureSculpturePrintprintPrintPleaseselectwhichsectionsyouwouldliketoprint:TableOfContentsCiteverifiedCiteWhileeveryefforthasbeenmadetofollowcitationstylerules,theremaybesomediscrepancies.Pleaserefertotheappropriatestylemanualorothersourcesifyouhaveanyquestions.SelectCitationStyleMLAAPAChicagoManualofStyleCopyCitationShareShareSharetosocialmediaFacebookTwitterURLhttps://www.britannica.com/art/sculptureMoreGiveFeedbackExternalWebsitesFeedbackCorrections?Updates?Omissions?Letusknowifyouhavesuggestionstoimprovethisarticle(requireslogin).FeedbackTypeSelectatype(Required)FactualCorrectionSpelling/GrammarCorrectionLinkCorrectionAdditionalInformationOtherYourFeedbackSubmitFeedbackThankyouforyourfeedbackOureditorswillreviewwhatyou’vesubmittedanddeterminewhethertorevisethearticle.JoinBritannica'sPublishingPartner