plate no. 8498
Herrenberger Altar
Jerg Ratgeb, 1520
oilNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresarchitecturereligious scenelandscapecityscapestorytelling
advanced study
Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in figure drawing, complex composition, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and architectural details.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 80 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and architectural elements in each panel.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the basic values, focusing on the areas of highest contrast.
- step 03
Develop the figures, starting with the larger forms and gradually adding details like facial features and clothing.
- step 04
Work on the architectural elements, using perspective to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 05
Layer colors to build up the richness and complexity of the palette, paying attention to local color and reflected light.
- step 06
Refine the details, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and texture.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the composition and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · ochre · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, ochre, and a touch of red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·underpainting
- ·drapery rendering
common pitfalls
- →getting lost in the details too early
- →overworking the painting
- →inconsistent light source
- →incorrect perspective
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (large size)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (small round, filbert, flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified base.
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