plate no. 3360

Self Portrait with a Vanitas Still Life

oilBaroqueself-portraitfigurebooksskullcandlescrollstill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and rendering textures like fabric, paper, and bone. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and creating a focal point through light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure, books, and skull using mid-tones.
step 04
Begin building up highlights and shadows, focusing on the light source and form.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to subtle shifts in value and color.
step 06
Add details to the books, scroll, and skull, capturing their textures and forms.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to enhance depth and richness.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow and alizarin crimson to warm the skin tones and books. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows.

techniques