Artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer used a method of painting known as the indirect method as
opposed to the direct method of mixing dark and light pigments together to create a range of
tones and colors. They started with a monochromatic painting on a colored ground usually of a
neutral color.
This was called a grisaille, and it was created to establish the composition and values (light
to dark tones) of what was being depicted. Then color was added in stages, built up in layers of
transparent paint or glazes, as well as semi-transparent and opaque paint. This method of
painting results in a depth of color effects not achievable with the direct method of painting.
To the right is a grisaille by Rembrandt, "The Lamentation over the Dead Christ," that he left
in that state and next to it is a finished Rembrandt work, "The Jewish Bride." The deep red
glazes in the woman's dress glow in the deep space and inform the warm love that is shared by
the figures.
