Low-relief carvings, also known as bas-relief, are a fascinating art form where figures project slightly from a flat background. Despite their shallow depth, skilled carvers can create a striking illusion of three-dimensionality. Here’s how they achieve this effect:

1. Undercutting: By carving the edges of figures at sharp angles, carvers create shadows that enhance the perception of depth. This technique makes elements appear to stand out even with minimal projection.

2. Layering and Overlapping: Carvers strategically layer elements, placing some in front of others to simulate spatial relationships. Overlapping forms trick the eye into perceiving depth where there is little physical material removed.

3. Varied Depths: Even within a shallow relief, subtle variations in depth—such as deeper cuts for foreground elements and lighter ones for background details—add dimensionality.

4. Perspective and Foreshortening: Using artistic principles like linear perspective, carvers manipulate proportions to mimic how objects recede into space. Foreshortening techniques compress forms to suggest depth.

5. Texture and Detailing: Fine detailing, such as engraved lines or textured surfaces, enhances the illusion by differentiating planes and creating visual contrast.

Mastering these techniques allows carvers to transform flat surfaces into dynamic, lifelike compositions, proving that depth in art is as much about perception as it is about physical dimension.