plate no. 1347

Count Alois Thomas Raimund Harrach, Viceroy of Naples

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurebuildingcolumnclothingwig

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of fabrics and textures. It also provides practice in creating depth through subtle color variations and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, background elements, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds, highlights, and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Paint the background elements, using soft edges and muted colors to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Add the details of the wig, using short, broken brushstrokes to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the hands and other small elements.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values, colors, and edges to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white

Achieve the gold tones by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and titanium white. Create the blues by mixing ultramarine blue with ivory black and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red to add warmth to the skin tones and clothing.

techniques