plate no. 6873

Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise De Pompadour

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredressinteriorfurniturebooks

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in depicting complex lighting and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and surrounding elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 04
Focus on the figure, starting with the face and hands, gradually building up the details and refining the likeness.
step 05
Render the dress, carefully observing the folds, highlights, and shadows to create a sense of volume and movement.
step 06
Add details to the furniture and books, paying attention to their textures and forms.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Create the fabric colors by layering yellow ochre, raw umber, and titanium white with subtle variations.

techniques