Repoussé is a decoration of metal by means of driving back parts of that metal and raising others so that the design stands out in relief.

Prepare thoroughly for the GHP Visual Arts Test with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Ensure your success on the exam!

Repoussé describes a metalworking method where the design is formed by hammering on the back of the metal to push it outward, creating a raised relief that stands out from the surface. The description fits because the metal is driven back in some areas and raised in others to produce a prominent, three-dimensional design. Engraving, in contrast, involves incising or cutting into the surface to create lines and recessed patterns, rather than forming a raised image. A motif is simply the subject or design used, not a technique for shaping metal. Cloisonné is an enameling method that uses wires to create compartments for enamel, again a different process from the raised-relief technique.