The portrait you show above is a great example of the subtle changes that a great artist makes to enhance the look of his picture. Both the arms have been lowered in value so as to not take the viewers attention away from the head of the sitter. Furthermore the background value has been lowered for the same reason. The arms are both closer to the light source than the head and should be lighter than depicted. The background is too close to the figure for such a dramatic fall off of light thus enhancing the illusion of depth in the painting.
My first realization as to the quest to go beyond reality was when viewing the Van Dyke exhibition at the National Gallery in D.C. about a dozen years ago. I noticed that the figures in the paintings were more alive and more dimensional than the "real" people viewing them.
I think this technique of subtle manipulation to enhance reality is not very often spoken about because when it is so artfully done it is barely noticeable. This is far different than the heavy handed attempts to fake information not understood by lesser artists.
Each semester I take my students to the Met and guide them on a tour showcasing multiple examples of how artists have enhanced their paintings. I now incorporate a slide show along with my workshops highlighting these same paintings.
Understanding the mindset of great painters is the first step in becoming one yourself.
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