Sunday 8 January 2017

The 'Armour' Theme is Now Up for Viewing!


 Hello All!

Well, the first Theme Round is now up for viewing!

This fortnight's theme is 'Armour' and we had 57 participants submit entries for your enjoyment. In the gallery you will see tanks, knights, mechs and more. It is a veritable clanking smorgasbord of glasis, turrets, visors and plates. 

Please click on the 'Bonus Theme' link in the navigation bar above and enjoy all the efforts of the participants.

Also, remember to take time to vote for your favourite entries. You can vote for as many as you like. The top three in votes will get additional points added on to their total for the round.

Enjoy!

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As to myself, I've returned to the Italian Wars with a vignette of Francis I of France overseeing the investment of Pavia, October 1524. 


Francis is seen here with his helmet under his arm, discussing the proposed dispositions of the French siege with one of his advisors, Montmorency, Marshal of France. The two men have recently arrived in front of the city and have placed a map of Pavia on a makeshift table made from a wagon wheel set on a tree stump. A pair of Francis' hunting dogs, Alaunts (a breed now sadly extinct), are at his side.  His banner-bearer stands at the rear, holding the Royal Standard. Francis' attendants have brought out a stool with a refreshment of wine in pewter goblets.


Francis' figure is roughly based on a oil on wood painting from an unknown artist which was done within a few years of the battle. He is depicted wearing gold armour with a red surcoat emblazoned with a central cross. 


I kept the red surcoat, but instead painted him in his tournament armour, which is detailed with representations of fleur de lis on the knees, elbows and helmet (which, of course, nobody can see due to the placement of the figures...). Francis' armour can be seen today at the musée de l’Armée, Les Invalides. 


The figures of Francis and his knights are from the very talented Oliver James over at Steel Fist Miniatures.  These were part of a Kickstarter and are now available on his website.


The two Alaunts were sculpted by Steve May as a small commission for Simon over at le Jay Emprins, who kindly provided me with a couple sets (Thanks Simon!).


Alaunts at the kill of a wild boar from The Grimami Breviary 1490
The tree stump, wagon wheel, stool, wine bottle and goblets I printed off on my 3D printer (I LOVE that thing).


Francis' brave banner is from Pete's Flags.

As a historical proscript, the French siege of Pavia went on too long and a Imperialist relief force was dispatched to attempt to raise the siege. After a bold night march, the Spanish Imperial army smashed Francis' forces on 24th February 1525. As the ultimate disgrace, Francis himself was captured and sent to Spain as a prisoner to negotiate his own release.

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Now, please go look at the gallery and enjoy the wonderful entries for our 'Armour' theme!

38 comments:

  1. And another deadline whizzes by...

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    1. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad that you're basically a day ahead of most of us...

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  2. Stunning work Curt. I love your Italian Wars figures - it would be great to see your army so far arrayed in its glory.

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    1. Thanks very much Alan! I'll have to array them for a group post on my home blog. Maybe after this Challenge.

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  3. Great stuff. Just had a whizz through and the standard is very good

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    1. It is indeed. Lots of heavy metal this week!

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  4. Awesome! Really well researched and a cracking piece. Fantastic work. cheers

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    1. Cheers Brendon! He will be a juicy target for the Jinetes you did-up for me. :)

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  5. A one of a kind display piece. Thanks for sharing the historical research and details of how you acquired all the figures and components. Stunning modelling and painting as always!

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    1. Thanks very much Jonathan, very kind of you and I'm delighted you liked it.

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  6. Superb little vignette Curt and enjoyed the background info very much as well!

    Christopher

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  7. Holy crap 50 enterants!!! that's amazing

    I can only hope we don't see a recurrence of the "purple stain"....

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    1. I should do it for no other reason than in honour of Prince. :)

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  8. Lovely vignette, drawing me into the Italian Wars, help

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    1. Take it from me, it is a very slippery slope...

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  9. Beautiful work Curt. Love the rich colors!

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    1. Thanks Rod! I feel that the period somehow demands punchy colours.

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  10. An excellent entry snd great use of the 3D Printer

    Ian

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    1. Thanks Ian. The printer came in handy as I only thought of the stool, wine and goblets in the last hours.

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  11. Great stuff, clean and crisp as ever! Any plans to use these in a game as a command stand or just for fun as a diorama?

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    1. Thank you Jamie. I definitely made it thinking it would be used as a command stand in our Italian Wars games (or at the very least some officer looking on at the edge of the battle)

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  12. Gorgeous miniatures,a truly stunning vignette! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

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  13. Incredible brushwork as always my friend - well done.

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  14. Had a quick look at the Armour entry far too late last night. A very impressive array of talent - I am reminded that the Bonus Rounds bring out the best of the talent assembled here. Looking forward to going back for a more leisurely look, but well done all!

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    1. Yes, you can tell people had some fun with it. Let's hope we can keep the steam up for the remaining rounds.

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  15. Fantastic scene and beautifully executed. A really great use of the Steel Fist figures.

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    1. Thanks very much Oli, they are real treats to work on.

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  16. Wonderful, just wonderful!

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  17. I need a Mash team. I can update for NAM . Yours is mighty fine!

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