plate no. 9257

The Tribute Money (Brancacci Chapel)

frescoEarly Renaissancereligious paintingfigureslandscapebuildingmountainsrobessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery studies, and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the building.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures' robes and skin tones.
step 04
Begin to define the forms of the figures with light and shadow, using subtle gradations of color.
step 05
Add details to the figures' faces and hands, paying attention to their expressions and gestures.
step 06
Refine the details of the building and the landscape, adding texture and interest.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white

Mix red ochre and raw umber for earth tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky and distant mountains. Mix viridian green with yellow ochre for foliage.

techniques