plate no. 2601

Portrait of Cardinal de Richelieu

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurecardinalrobecurtainarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering complex drapery with light and shadow. They will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through careful color mixing and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, dark tones, gradually building up highlights on the curtain.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the robe with a mid-tone red, paying attention to the folds and creases.
step 04
Develop the light and shadow on the robe, using a range of reds, browns, and whites to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Paint the face, starting with a thin underpainting and gradually building up layers of detail.
step 06
Add details to the hands, book, and architectural elements, paying attention to accuracy and proportion.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face, robe, and other key areas.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Achieve the robe's color by mixing cadmium red with varying amounts of ivory black and titanium white for shadows and highlights. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm undertones in the skin.

techniques