plate no. 5128

The Viscount of Santarem and his Family

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfiguresportraitinteriorfamilypaintingfurniture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering fabrics and interior spaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and major architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the background colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and poses.
step 04
Begin adding details to the faces, starting with the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the clothing and drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Refine the architectural details, such as the windows, walls, and furniture.
step 07
Add the details of the painting within the painting and the sculpture on the table.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the pale skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of yellow ochre, red, and umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create the darker tones for clothing and shadows.

techniques