From SidneyR - The Last Day of the Challenge: More from Laarden 1688 and my Curtgeld (116 Points)

It’s been an amazing Challenge, and all too soon, it has come to an end this evening. I’ve loved every minute, watching everyone’s incredible submissions and preparing my own. I’ve really only managed the themed submission rounds, but alongside those I’ve slowly been painting up a few extra figures, which I’ve finished today.

So here are a couple of extra pike stands from the Laarden civic militia, some extra engineers (slightly left over from the Defensive Terrain themed round) and – finally – the arrival of the first of the Laarden cavalry. I suspect, like a few of you, I prepared a lot of troops at the start of the Challenge which have not seen paintbrush yet. And I’m no exception. These are the two command stands for three regiments of Flemish and Spanish cavalry (36 cavalrymen, in all), all of which are still waiting patiently in the painting queue. 

 
Like the other Laarden militia, I’ve tried to keep the theme of yellow and blue in the standard of the Laarden pike stand, proudly displaying the civic Pelican motto. The militia still have a mix of uniforms and armour like their comrades in the second of the themed rounds, “Epic Fail”. 

And you might spot the Pelican motif on the grenadier’s cap, and the trumpet banner of one of the cavalrymen.

So, with the Challenge at an end, there’s only one last thing to do – complete my Curtgeld. With the theme of Risk-takers and Gamblers, I had intended to paint a rather nice Foundry casting of the Duke of Marlborough. But, over the last few days, I’ve thought that one of the citizens of Laarden might be more appropriate. So, armed with some “brown stuff” putty and a Dixon Miniature casting with a Bicorne Miniatures partisan, I’ve built, prepared and painted my Curtgeld during the course of today. And so, for the Sixth Challenge, here’s my Curtgeld – and it’s none other than that famed, rakish Flemish cavalier, Antoine de Gautier. 

Equipped with a ludicrous wig, attired in elegant French fashions and carrying a stylish, if antiquated, partisan he’s once again preening and parading across the fields of Flanders accompanied by to Laarden chickens. No doubt he’s taking a gamble carrying a partisan on the field – but at least it’s more use then his wooden duelling sword he was seen carrying in the sixth themed round. 

And with that, I’m done. Huge thanks Curt on a wonderful Challenge and well done everyone!  Hope to see you all again later this year for the next Challenge!!!

Ahhh, more lovliness from the picturesque Flemish town of Laarden, absolutely fantastic. Sid, this whole Laarden project of yours is brilliant. I just love the quasi-fictional setting, the characters the colour palette, well everything really. Just like your WWI project, it's so wonderfully realized. Bravo sir!

And to this I am absolutely delighted to receive a figure of one of the principle worthies of the town of Laarden, Antoine de Gautier himself! With attendant chickens no less! How cool is that! Tremendous stuff - Thank you so much Sidney! 

Again, I'm delighted that the Challenge, in its own small way, helped to move your project along. I for one look very much forward to following the development of the Town of Laarden on your blog in the months to come, and I hope we are treated to some more of its characters during our next edition of the Challenge. Until then Mr. Roundwood, I say adieu. :)