plate no. 8230

Maurice (1567-1625), Prince of Orange, Lying in State

oil, copperBaroqueportraitportraitfigureroyaldeathbedfabric

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and depicting intricate fabric textures. It also provides practice in rendering realistic lighting and creating a somber mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements of the bed and drapery.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of red, brown, and grey.
step 03
Begin layering the skin tones, starting with a base of yellow ochre and gradually adding shadows and highlights.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Work on the fur collar, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Render the intricate patterns of the fabric, using a fine brush and a light touch.
step 07
Add the details of the crown and ruff, using white and gold to create highlights.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · red ochre · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · gold · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Create variations in the red fabric by adding small amounts of burnt umber or ivory black.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·chiaroscuro
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can lead to a stiff and unnatural look.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone, resulting in a flat and lifeless face.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow, which can flatten the composition.
→Using too much paint, which can obscure the details and create a muddy effect.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (red ochre, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, ivory black, raw sienna, gold)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (small round, small flat)
·palette
·palette knife