plate no. 4054

The Supper at Emmaus

oil, canvasBaroquereligious paintingfigurestablebreadinteriorreligious scenecolumns

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing subtle skin tones and facial expressions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the dark background tones using burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their faces and clothing.
step 05
Develop the drapery folds, using highlights and shadows to create volume.
step 06
Paint the details of the table, bread, and other objects.
step 07
Add the architectural elements in the background.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding final details.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the warm skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and a touch of cadmium red. Use ivory black and ultramarine blue for the darker areas, and titanium white to create highlights.

techniques