plate no. 4811

Christ Driving Merchants from the Temple

oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfigurestemplearchitecturecrowdanimalsreligious scene

advanced study

Recreating this painting would develop skills in figure drawing, composition with many elements, and rendering complex lighting. Students will learn to create depth and drama through value and color.

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 the main figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes and value relationships.
step 03
Develop the figure of Christ, paying close attention to anatomy and drapery.
step 04
Start adding details to the surrounding figures, working from general to specific.
step 05
Establish the architectural background, focusing on perspective and light.
step 06
Refine the details of the animals and other objects in the scene.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the drama of the scene.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of other colors. Use glazes of transparent colors to build depth and richness.

techniques