plate no. 8460

Portrait of the poet and tragedian Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon (1674-1762)

oilRococoportraitportraitfigureclothingbooksinteriorwig

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in depicting complex fabrics and details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, muted tones, creating depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the folds and drapery of the clothing.
step 04
Start building up the skin tones with thin layers of paint, gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Carefully render the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 06
Paint the clothing and accessories, focusing on the textures and patterns of the fabrics.
step 07
Add the details of the books and other objects in the background, maintaining a sense of depth and perspective.
step 08
Refine the painting with final touches and adjustments, ensuring a cohesive and polished result.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber. Create the dark clothing by mixing ivory black with raw umber and a hint of ultramarine blue.

techniques