plate no. 2839
Ecce Homo
Maerten van Heemskerck, 1560
oil, panelMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresreligious scenearchitectureclothingcrowdportrait
advanced study
Recreating this painting would develop skills in figure drawing, portraiture, and rendering complex drapery and textures. Students will also learn about composition in a multi-panel format and how to create depth and perspective with many figures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 60 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch, dividing the canvas into three panels and mapping out the main figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the basic underpainting using burnt umber or a similar earth tone to define the light and shadow areas.
- step 03
Begin layering in the local colors of the figures, starting with the skin tones and then moving to the clothing.
- step 04
Focus on accurately rendering the anatomical details of the figures, paying close attention to proportions and muscle structure.
- step 05
Develop the drapery folds and textures of the clothing, using a combination of glazing and scumbling techniques.
- step 06
Add details to the architectural background, using perspective to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Refine the facial features of the figures, paying attention to the subtle nuances of expression.
- step 08
Apply final glazes and highlights to enhance the overall luminosity and depth of the painting.
color palette
primary · red · ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · gold · brown · gray · flesh tones
Achieve flesh tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create depth in blacks by layering thin glazes of ivory black and burnt umber.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·figure drawing
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →flat or lifeless skin tones
- →poorly rendered drapery folds
- →lack of depth in the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (large)
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the underpainting.
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