plate no. 9651

Napoleon In Burning Moscow

oilRomanticismhistory paintingfigureshorsesbuildingscityscapesmokemilitary

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering complex figures, and creating a sense of depth and scale. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to achieve a realistic and historical feel.

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 placement of the main figures and the buildings in the background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying attention to the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky, buildings, and ground, using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 04
Begin to develop the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
step 05
Refine the details of the horses, including their anatomy and musculature.
step 06
Add the smoke and atmospheric effects, using soft blending techniques to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the overall mood.
step 08
Add final highlights and details, such as the gold accents on the uniforms and the reflections on the buildings.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the smoky atmosphere by mixing thin washes of burnt umber, ivory black, and ultramarine blue. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the buildings and horses, and titanium white to create highlights.

techniques