plate no. 7023

Adoration of the Magi (altarpiece)

panel, temperaInternational Gothicreligious paintingfiguresreligious scenelandscapeanimalsarchitectureprocession

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with many figures and intricate details, as well as understanding the use of gold leaf and layering techniques in tempera painting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a panel with gesso.
step 02
Create a detailed underdrawing of the composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 03
Apply gold leaf to the designated areas (haloes, ornaments, etc.).
step 04
Begin painting with thin layers of tempera, starting with the background and gradually building up the details.
step 05
Focus on rendering the figures with accurate anatomy and expressive faces.
step 06
Pay close attention to the drapery and the folds of the clothing.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Apply a protective varnish to the finished painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · vermilion · gold · ivory black

secondary · ochre · raw umber · cadmium yellow · green earth

Achieve subtle color variations by layering thin washes of tempera. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity. Mix white with primary colors for lighter tones.

techniques

·tempera painting
·gold leaf application
·layering
·glazing
·fine detail brushwork

common pitfalls

→overworking the painting
→inaccurate proportions
→muddy colors
→uneven gold leaf application

materials

surface · prepared wooden panel

required

·wooden panel
·gesso
·gold leaf
·egg tempera paints
·fine detail brushes
·palette
·water
·varnish

optional

·palette knife
·burnisher
·mortar and pestle
·rabbit skin glue

Use high-quality egg tempera paints for best results. Prepare the gesso surface carefully to ensure a smooth and even finish. Consider using a traditional egg tempera recipe.

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