plate no. 6207

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre, Wearing Coronation Robes

oil, canvasRococoportraitfigureportraitrobecolumnchaircrown

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of facial features, as well as practice in depicting complex textures and fabrics with subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and the main elements of the composition.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the drapery and the column.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the robe, face, and hands, using simplified color values.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 05
Work on the robe, layering colors to create the texture of the fur and the intricate patterns of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the chair, crown, and other accessories, focusing on the play of light and shadow.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark background, and mix cadmium yellow and burnt umber for the gold details.

techniques