plate no. 5960

The Crucifixion with St. Mary Magdalen

oil, canvasHigh Renaissancereligious paintingcrucifixionfigurelandscapeskycrossskull

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomy, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and subtle skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape using thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main figures with basic shapes and values, focusing on proportions.
step 04
Develop the figure of Christ, paying close attention to anatomy and shading.
step 05
Add details to the surrounding figures and drapery, refining the forms.
step 06
Render the landscape elements, including the rocks, trees, and buildings.
step 07
Add final details such as the skull, the inscription on the cross, and highlights.
step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing raw umber, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant landscape colors.

techniques