plate no. 1707

Marcello Sacchetti

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfiguretabledraperyclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering realistic skin tones and capturing subtle variations in light and shadow. It also provides practice in depicting textures, such as fabric and lace.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and table.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the dark background and the figure's clothing.
step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, using a limited palette of earth tones, white, and a touch of red.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 06
Render the clothing and drapery, focusing on the folds and textures.
step 07
Paint the table and its details, including the sculptural elements.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the entire painting, ensuring that the overall composition is balanced and harmonious.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Darken colors with burnt umber and black. Use thin glazes to build up depth and luminosity.

techniques