plate no. 8169

The Incredulity of St Thomas

Francesco de' Rossi (Francesco Salviati), "Cecchino", 1547

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)religious paintingfiguresreligious scenearchitecturedraperybeardscolumn

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, anatomical accuracy, and rendering complex drapery with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in composing a scene with multiple figures and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 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 to refine the figures, paying close attention to anatomical details and musculature.
step 04
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 05
Add details to the faces, focusing on capturing the expressions and individual characteristics of each figure.
step 06
Work on the background, establishing the architectural elements and creating a sense of depth.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the overall harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, umber, sienna, and small amounts of red and yellow. Achieve the drapery colors by mixing blues, reds, and whites, adjusting the ratios to create subtle variations.

techniques

·figure drawing
·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·drapery rendering
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Overly harsh or muddy colors
→Lack of anatomical accuracy
→Flat or lifeless drapery
→Poor composition and balance

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (24x30 inches)
·Oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Linseed oil
·Turpentine or mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags