plate no. 7421

The company of Captain Reinier Reael and Lieutenant Cornelis Michielsz. Blaeuw, known as the ‘Meagre Company’

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitfiguresgroup portraitmilitaryclothingweaponshistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering complex fabrics and textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere in a large group composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values of the background and figures using thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on the faces, capturing the likeness and individual characteristics of each person.
step 04
Develop the clothing and details, paying attention to the folds, textures, and highlights.
step 05
Add the weapons and other accessories, ensuring they are accurately rendered.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Achieve the dark, rich tones by mixing ivory black and raw umber. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for warm highlights and flesh tones. Mix ultramarine blue with white for the cooler tones in the ruffs and fabrics.

techniques