plate no. 0101

Altar of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, right wing: The presentation in the temple and the Flight to Egypt

wood, temperaInternational Gothicreligious paintingfiguresarchitecturelandscapereligious scenetempledonkey

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in drapery and architectural perspective, as well as layering colors to create depth and luminosity.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the surface with a gesso layer and let it dry completely.
step 02
Create a light sketch outlining the main compositional elements: the architecture, figures, and landscape.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the architecture using thin washes of tempera or acrylic paint.
step 04
Begin layering the colors in the figures' drapery, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 05
Paint the landscape, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 06
Add details to the architecture, such as the columns, arches, and decorative elements.
step 07
Refine the figures' faces and hands, adding subtle details and highlights.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, ensuring a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · red ochre · titanium white · gold

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · yellow ochre

Mix ultramarine blue with white for the blue robes, and add a touch of red ochre for shadows. Use red ochre mixed with white for the red robes, adding burnt umber for darker areas. Mix yellow ochre with white and a touch of red ochre for the skin tones.

techniques