plate no. 0698

Altar polyptych of San Bartolomeo, Bergamo, main panel: Enthroned Madonna with Angels and Saints - Alexander of Bergamo, Barbara, Roch, Dominic

oil, woodHigh Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresangelsarchitecturereligioussaintsMadonna

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective through careful value control. It also provides practice in complex compositional arrangement.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Develop the figures, starting with the Madonna and Child, paying attention to anatomy and drapery folds.
step 04
Work on the angels, carefully rendering their wings and flowing garments.
step 05
Add details to the architecture, including the columns, arches, and decorative elements.
step 06
Refine the faces of the saints, capturing their individual expressions and characteristics.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and atmosphere, using glazes to build up richness and luminosity.
step 08
Add final details, such as highlights and textures, to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · blue · gold · brown

secondary · green · yellow · white · grey

Achieve the rich, warm tones by mixing earth pigments with reds and yellows. Use blues and whites to create the cooler tones of the angels' robes and the architectural elements. Glazing with transparent colors will add depth and luminosity.

techniques