plate no. 5652

Portrait of Princess Evelyne Colonna di Stigliano

Vittorio Matteo Corcos, 1902

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitdresscurtaintableflowersfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones, drapery, and the subtle nuances of light and shadow on reflective surfaces like satin. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness of a subject and creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

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 proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, paying attention to the folds and highlights of the curtain.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the dress, using a light underpainting to establish the overall form.
step 04
Begin building up layers of color on the dress, focusing on capturing the subtle shifts in tone and the reflective qualities of the fabric.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the values and proportions to create a realistic likeness.
step 06
Add details to the hair, jewelry, and other accessories, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 07
Paint the table and flowers, using a variety of colors and textures to create visual interest.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · rose madder · yellow ochre

secondary · cerulean blue · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Achieve the subtle pinks and creams by mixing white with small amounts of rose madder, yellow ochre, and raw umber. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows and depth.

techniques