plate no. 7331

Alexander the Great demonstrates his trust in his physician

oilBaroquehistory paintingfiguresinteriorbedarchitecturedraperyurn

experienced study

Recreating this image will help students develop skills in rendering figures and drapery with subtle tonal variations, as well as understanding linear perspective for the architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions within the oval frame.
step 02
Focus on accurately placing the main figures and the bed, paying attention to their relationships to each other and the surrounding space.
step 03
Establish the basic light and shadow patterns, using a limited range of values to define the forms.
step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including their facial features, clothing, and gestures.
step 05
Develop the architectural elements, such as the floor tiles and the drapery, using linear perspective to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Add the smaller details, such as the urn and the decorative elements of the frame.
step 07
Carefully blend and refine the tonal values to create a smooth, polished finish.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism and drama.

color palette

primary · gray · black · white

secondary · sepia · ivory

Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Use sepia to add warmth to certain areas and ivory for subtle highlights.

techniques