plate no. 7203

Charles Maurice De Talleyrand Périgord (1754–1838), Prince De Bénévent

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigurechairdeskclothinginterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the face and clothing. It also provides practice in depicting textures and details of furniture and fabrics.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and furniture.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, figure, chair, and desk using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Develop the values and tones of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Refine the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 05
Work on the chair and desk, adding details such as the gold trim and wood grain.
step 06
Develop the background, creating depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figure and objects.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red · Ivory black

The blues in the coat are achieved by mixing Prussian blue with white and a touch of burnt umber for shadow. The skin tones are created with white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·Portraiture
·Glazing
·Underpainting
·Chiaroscuro
·Rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inconsistent lighting and shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (24x30 inches)
·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Cadmium red, Ivory black)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine
·Palette knife
·Rags