plate no. 4265

Virgin and Child Enthroned and Donor, Angels

temperaInternational Gothicreligious paintingVirgin MaryJesus Childangelsreligious figurethronegold background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones, and creating decorative patterns. It also offers practice in achieving a sense of depth through subtle shading and understanding the use of gold leaf or imitation gold.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the surface with gesso and let it dry completely.
step 02
Create a light sketch of the main figures and the throne, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 03
Apply a base layer of gold paint or imitation gold leaf to the background.
step 04
Begin painting the figures, starting with the skin tones. Mix a range of light and shadow tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
step 05
Paint the clothing of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, focusing on the folds and drapery. Use a light blue-gray for the base of Mary's robe and a bright red for Jesus's garment.
step 06
Add the decorative patterns to Mary's robe using a fine brush and a mixture of brown and gold.
step 07
Paint the angels in the upper corners, paying attention to their delicate features and expressions.
step 08
Add final details such as the halos, the throne's ornamentation, and the donor figure.

color palette

primary · gold · red · white · yellow ochre

secondary · light blue-gray · brown · green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the light blue-gray for Mary's robe by mixing white, ultramarine blue, and a touch of gray.

techniques