plate no. 5255

Sic Transit… (Central Panel)

Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl, 1912

oilSymbolismmythological paintingfigureruinswolvesfoliagecolumnsmythology

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, glazing, and rendering complex textures like foliage and stone. It also provides practice in depicting figures with ethereal qualities.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, ruins, and wolves.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the figure, ruins, and foliage, using a limited palette.
step 04
Begin layering glazes to build up depth and luminosity, especially in the figure's drapery.
step 05
Refine the details of the ruins and foliage, paying attention to texture and light.
step 06
Add the wolves, focusing on their anatomy and fur texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Achieve the ethereal quality of the figure by mixing white with small amounts of blue and yellow. Create the muted greens and browns by mixing the primary colors with umber.

techniques