plate no. 5842

Cosimo I

Francesco de' Rossi (Francesco Salviati), "Cecchino"

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)portraitportraitfigurecityscapedraperyfurhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to render complex textures like fur and fabric.

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 outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background cityscape, focusing on the overall shapes and values rather than precise details.
step 04
Start building up the layers of the face, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Work on the drapery and fur, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and jewelry, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Darker tones are created by adding ivory black or burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows.

techniques