plate no. 6543

Portrait of Madame du Barry

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredressflowerslandscapefeathers

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as practice blending techniques to create soft transitions and subtle details in fabric and foliage.

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 proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements like the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, creating a soft, atmospheric effect using blues, greens, and grays.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on the dress and face.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle blending of skin tones.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds, lace, and the pink sash, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 06
Add the flowers and feathers in the hair, paying attention to their individual shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the background and foreground elements, adding details to the foliage and the stone ledge.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, rose madder, and a touch of yellow ochre. Create the dress's sheen by layering thin glazes of white and gray. Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre.

techniques