plate no. 3540

Last Words of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius

oilRomanticismhistory paintingfiguresinteriorhistoricalrobesdeathbed

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery, and creating a dramatic atmosphere through light and shadow. It also provides practice in rendering complex compositions with multiple figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery folds.
step 04
Build up layers of color to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Refine the details, such as facial features and textures.
step 06
Adjust the lighting and shadows to enhance the drama.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Varnish to protect the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Create shadows by adding ultramarine blue to the skin tone mixture. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the gold fabrics.

techniques