plate no. 5533

The Dead Christ Supported by Angels.

oilHigh Renaissancereligious paintingfigureangelsreligiousportraithalosky

experienced study

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures' skin and clothing.
step 03
Begin to refine the skin tones, using subtle variations in color and value to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Add details to the figures' faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the drapery, paying attention to the way the fabric folds and drapes.
step 06
Add the wings and halos, using light and airy brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the background, adding details such as clouds and sky.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the figures and background.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Add small amounts of cadmium red for warmth and ivory black for shadows. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky.

techniques