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home·artworks·Ecce Homo (Grey Passion-6)
Ecce Homo (Grey Passion-6) by Hans Holbein the Elder

plate no. 2506

Ecce Homo (Grey Passion-6)

Hans Holbein the Elder, 1500

oilInternational Gothicreligious paintingfiguresreligious scenearmorclothingcrown of thornschild
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures, drapery, and metallic surfaces. They will also learn about creating depth through subtle value changes and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and their positions.

  2. step 02

    Block in the basic shapes and values of the background and figures using thin washes of color.

  3. step 03

    Begin to build up the forms of the figures, paying close attention to the light and shadow.

  4. step 04

    Develop the drapery, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and folds.

  5. step 05

    Render the armor, focusing on capturing the reflective qualities of the metal.

  6. step 06

    Add details such as facial features, hair, and the crown of thorns.

  7. step 07

    Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · gray · ivory black · raw umber · flesh tones

secondary · gold · green · red

Use ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray. Mix raw umber with ivory black for darker shadows. Flesh tones can be achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.

techniques

  • ·grisaille
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·rendering metal

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
  • →Not capturing the reflective qualities of the armor.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas
  • ·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Retouch varnish

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.

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