plate no. 1787

Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859)

card, laid paperRomanticismportraitportraitfigureclothingjewelryhistorical figureframe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones and subtle gradations of light and shadow. It also provides practice in depicting fine details like clothing and jewelry.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the oval frame and the figure's basic proportions.
step 02
Establish the background with soft, blended washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the face, hair, and clothing using diluted paint.
step 04
Gradually build up the skin tones with thin layers of color, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures.
step 07
Add the jewelry and other embellishments with fine brushstrokes.
step 08
Finally, paint the frame, matching its color and texture.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · gold

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use blue and black to create the dark tones of the coat. Mix burnt umber with a touch of black for the frame.

techniques