plate no. 0004

Portrait of Pope Pius VII (Barnaba Chiaramonti)

oil, canvasAcademicismportraitportraitfigurechairrobedraperyhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to render realistic fabric and drapery folds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the background and the large areas of the robe and clothing.
step 03
Develop the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 04
Refine the details of the robe and chair, adding highlights and shadows to create texture and form.
step 05
Work on the drapery in the background, using subtle variations in color and value to create a sense of depth and movement.
step 06
Add details like the paper in the figure's hand and the embellishments on the chair.
step 07
Glaze layers to refine colors and values, creating a smooth and polished finish.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the subtle variations in the red robe by mixing cadmium red with varying amounts of ivory black and raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark shades in the background drapery. Mix titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre and raw umber to create the off-white tones of the clothing.

techniques