plate no. 7513

Caligula Depositing the Ashes of his Mother and Brother in the Tomb of his Ancestors

oilBaroquehistory paintingfiguresarchitecturetombromanurnsoldiers

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It will also help with understanding classical compositions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and architecture.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery folds.
step 04
Develop the architectural details, including the tomb and the surrounding environment.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the clothing, focusing on light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the faces and hands, capturing the expressions and gestures of the figures.
step 07
Refine the background elements, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ivory black · violet · raw sienna

Mix various shades of pink for the robes by combining cadmium red and titanium white. Create the blue for the emperor's robe by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the dark shadows.

techniques