Joan d'arc being interrogated

surface prep

The surface should be prepared to allow for a 'highly finished' appearance consistent with Delaroche's Academic training (Source 7). While specific ground recipes for this 1824 work are not detailed in the sources, the artist's later monumental work *The Hemicycle* utilized encaustic mixtures on plaster (Source 4), suggesting a comfort with smooth, durable surfaces. For oil on canvas, a smooth, white or neutral ground is recommended to facilitate the glazing techniques associated with his style.

underdrawing

Begin with a charcoal underdrawing. The sources advise drawing and shading in charcoal, using a dry brush to model forms before applying paint (Source 5). It is critical to make all corrections in the charcoal stage, as charcoal offers little resistance to brushwork and can be easily removed with bread, whereas correcting errors in paint is 'fatal to lucidity' (Source 5). The drawing should be slightly smaller than life if studying from a model, but for a history painting, it should be scaled to the final canvas dimensions.

underpainting

Delaroche’s practice, influenced by the academic tradition, likely involved a monochrome underpainting. Sir Joshua Reynolds, whose methods influenced the academic milieu, described a method using oil of copavia with black, ultramarine, and white for the first and second paintings (Source 8). For this recreation, use raw umber and white with turpentine to establish the tonal values (Source 5). This grisaille stage allows the artist to 'mentally extract the red and yellow colours' and focus on form and light before introducing color (Source 8).

Glazing and Scumbling

Used to apply color over a dry monochrome underpainting. Glazing adds transparent color, while scumbling adds semi-opaque texture. This method was practiced by old masters and is recommended for achieving depth and finish.

Simultaneous Contrast

The artist must account for how adjacent colors affect each other. The eye perceives colors differently based on their surroundings, so adjustments must be made to maintain color accuracy.

Pragmatic Realism

Depicting subjects without idealization, focusing on historical truth and human emotion rather than romanticized heroism.