plate no. 7236

The Entombment

oilBaroquereligious paintingfiguresreligious sceneentombmentdraperycavemourning

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating dramatic lighting effects using chiaroscuro. It also provides practice in mixing subtle skin tones and capturing emotional expressions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 03
Begin refining the figures, paying close attention to anatomy and gesture.
step 04
Develop the drapery, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Establish the light source and create dramatic contrasts between light and shadow.
step 06
Mix and apply subtle skin tones, building up layers of color to create depth.
step 07
Add details such as facial features, hair, and textures.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and impactful image.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and a touch of red or yellow. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create dark shadows. Mix yellow ochre and white for highlights on the drapery.

techniques