Famous Paintings

The Oath of Horatii

1. The light is coming from the mid left side, out of the frame.
2. I can duplicate this light by taking the photo at a later time of day, or by using an adjustable lamp or studio light.
3. I will need swords, a spear, and some chairs/benches.
4. The painter used a center angle to capture the entirety of the scene.
5. I will need some togas, capes, sandals, helmets, and fabric to hold hair back.
6. Some good models would be an even mix of pale men and women, the men being around the same height.
7. The women will need to appear to be lounging and gossiping, while the men need to be preparing for a battle or melee.
8. The most difficult things to duplicate will be the setting, the authenticity of the clothing, and the poses (so that it looks natural).

The Mistress and Maid




















1. The light is coming from the mid left side just outside of the frame.
2. I can duplicate this light by using an adjustable lamp or studio light.
3. I will need a table, paper, pen and a decorated box
4. The painter angled the painting in order to capture the mistress's profile and the maid's face.
5. I will need a dark brown dress with a white collar and a yellow dress with black and white spotted trim, a ribbon to place in the bun, and pearl necklace and earrings.
6. Good models would be a short, stout woman and a dainty looking woman.
7. The "mistress" will need to look thoughtful, as though she is pondering something, but her pose shouldn't be too difficult. The "maid" will need to appear as though she is only doing her job, and her pose shouldn't be difficult either.
8. The most difficult things to duplicate will be the yellow dress, the black background, and the lighting.

The Astronomer



















1. The light is coming from the visible window in the mid to upper left side of the painting.
2. I can duplicate this light by placing the window in the same place.
3. I will need a globe, table cloth, papers, wardrobe, books, drapes, table, chair and a painting.
4. The painter chose a side angle to show the environment in which the astronomer works.
5. I will need a blue, baggy robe.
6. A good model would be a semi-tall person with long hair.
7. The astronomer is standing up slightly in order to move the globe and the the wardrobe is only half in the light.
8. The hardest things to duplicate will be the setting, holding the pose, and getting the exact lighting.