plate no. 8370

Victor Riquetti (1715-89), Marquis of Mirabeau

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurebooksfurnitureinteriorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of fabric textures, as well as understanding subtle value shifts to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, muted tones, paying attention to the light source.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's clothing and skin tones, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the books, furniture, and other objects in the composition.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of rose madder. Create the fabric color by mixing rose madder, ivory black, and titanium white.

techniques