plate no. 8387

The Jewel Casket

John William Godward, 1900

oil, canvasNeoclassicismgenre paintingfigureinteriorcolumnsflowerstextilesjewelry box

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic drapery, skin tones, and architectural details. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: figure, columns, table, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the background, focusing on the red walls and variations in tone.
step 03
Paint the columns, paying attention to the subtle shadows and highlights to create a sense of roundness.
step 04
Block in the figure's clothing with the primary colors: blue, purple, and gold. Focus on the folds and drapery.
step 05
Develop the skin tones using layers of thin glazes, focusing on the light and shadow on the face and arms.
step 06
Add details to the jewelry box and other objects on the table, paying attention to their textures and colors.
step 07
Paint the flowers and foliage in the background, using a variety of greens and reds to create depth.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches, such as the patterns on the textiles and the highlights on the jewelry.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · purple · burnt umber · sap green

Mix various shades of red by combining red ochre with burnt umber and white. Achieve the blue of the dress by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Create the purple by blending red ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·rendering drapery
·creating atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→overworking the details too early
→using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→failing to establish a clear light source
→getting the proportions of the figure wrong

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (red ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, sap green, alizarin crimson)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels