plate no. 0821

Diptych of The Fall of Man and The Redemption (Lamentation of Christ)

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenelandscapecrossskyclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a somber atmosphere through color and value. It also provides practice in depicting complex emotions and interactions between multiple figures.

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 outlining the main figures and the landscape elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background sky and the hill with the cross, using thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for each figure's clothing, focusing on the overall color scheme.
step 04
Start building up the form of each figure, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the drapery and skin.
step 05
Develop the facial features and expressions of each figure, capturing their individual emotions.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing, adding folds and textures to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the crown of thorns and the small birds in the sky.
step 08
Glaze layers to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · crimson red · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · titanium white

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding small amounts of black or white. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.

techniques