plate no. 9651

Portrait of Charles X in Coronation Robes

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigurerobescrownthroneroyal

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of fabric textures and details. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through careful value control.

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 throne.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, slightly textured base, adding subtle fleur-de-lis patterns.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the robes, crown, and scepters, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the robes, crown, and scepters, focusing on rendering the textures and patterns.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and background.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and balanced image.
step 08
Add final details, such as the intricate patterns on the robes and the reflections on the crown.

color palette

primary · crimson red · ivory white · gold ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · lamp black · burnt umber

Achieve the rich reds by mixing crimson with a touch of burnt umber. Create the off-white of the robes by mixing ivory white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber. Use glazes to build up the depth of the dark background.

techniques

·portraiture
·fabric rendering
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·detail work

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions in the figure.
→Overly bright or saturated colors.
→Lack of attention to detail in the robes and crown.
→Flat or lifeless rendering of the face.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (crimson red, ivory white, gold ochre, ultramarine blue, lamp black, burnt umber)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags