plate no. 6977

Mattheus Van Den Broucke, Councillor of the Indies

oilBaroqueportraitportraitmanshipsseacurtainclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of textures like fabric and hair. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective in the background seascape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background seascape with broad washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the clothing, hair, and facial features.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the face, focusing on accurate values and subtle color variations.
step 05
Develop the textures of the clothing, hair, and accessories, using layering and glazing techniques.
step 06
Add details to the ships in the background, maintaining their relative scale and distance.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and volume.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create warm highlights and shadows. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create atmospheric effects.

techniques