plate no. 1473

Let the Little Children Come Unto Me

Eduard von Gebhardt, 1908

oilRealismreligious paintingfigureschildrenbuildingtreesreligious scenegroup portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating depth through layering and subtle color variations. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and clothing folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the building.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, defining the areas of trees, sky, and building.
step 03
Block in the main figures with simplified shapes and values, paying attention to their poses and interactions.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figures, including facial features, clothing folds, and hands.
step 05
Develop the lighting and shadows, using subtle gradations to create form and depth.
step 06
Add texture to the painting by using varied brushstrokes and dry brushing techniques.
step 07
Refine the details of the background, adding highlights and shadows to the trees and building.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, color, and value to create a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of red and blue. Use thin washes of color to build up depth and create subtle variations.

techniques