The art of relief involves carving or shaping designs onto flat surfaces to produce elevated three-dimensional artwork. Through this technique artists can create greater depth and dimensionality in their work which improves the overall visual impression of their creation. Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures marked the highest period of relief sculpture development when elaborate carvings decorated temples, tombs and public structures. Donatello stands out among relief sculpture artists as an Italian Renaissance sculptor who masterfully incorporated perspective and emotion into his work. The 19th-century French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux gained fame for his relief sculptures which skillfully conveyed dramatic movement and expression. Relief sculpture has served diverse purposes throughout art history including functions as decorative friezes and narrative panels as well as commemorative monuments and religious iconography. The art of relief sculpture endures through time because its adaptability allows it to express complex details which attract and maintain viewer interest across different cultures and historical periods.