plate no. 5786

The Lamentation

oil, panel, temperaNorthern Renaissancereligious paintingfiguresreligious scenelandscapeskytowncloth

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a believable sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix subtle skin tones and create realistic textures.

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 figures and landscape elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, focusing on the sky and distant landscape.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for each figure, starting with the darker areas and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the faces, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Work on the drapery, carefully observing the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the landscape, such as trees, buildings, and the distant town.
step 07
Refine the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create a realistic effect.
step 08
Add final details, such as the nails, hammer, and skull, and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Darken colors with burnt umber and lighten with white. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.

techniques