I added another few elements to my Venetian army for DBR using 25mm Ral Partha sculpts by Tom Meier. These are fantastic old school miniatures from back in the 1980's, but also really show Mr. Meier at the top of his game!
Here is a link to another Post with the rest of the army, though I have apparently failed to ever photograph my Romaniole pikemen, resplendent in the red and white outfits typical of the landsknechte.
http://miniatureminions.blogspot.com/2011/01/venetian-italian-condottieri-dba-army.html
A much needed additional element of heavy knights for the Venetians.
I added a few VVV decals to the horse barding to give it a little extra umph.
As far as I know Ral Partha only ever produced two variations of heavy knights for the Renaissance period. I have incorporated a modest variety by varying the horses they are mounted on.
I Believe this heavy horse barding was designed to represent a metal exterior, but I have also seen period paintings of this type of armor with a close fitting tabard, so I think I could also paint this horse as if the barding were almost tapestry-like.
Crossbows were still in use, though getting rapidly replaced by hand gunners.
The simple and muted color combination of this unit I found surprisingly appealing.
The Venetians loved their eastern mercenaries, and here we have a unit of Dellis, stolen from the Ottoman line, also sculpted by Tom Meier. Apparently they really did like to tack bird wings to their shields.
I'm looking forward to my next game with Terry, so that I will have a better chance of teaching his vile Milanese their place in the Italian states pecking order.
Very nice! I painted a lot of Ral Partha Renaissance back in the late 70s. I loved those heavy knights.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure to go back to them, and the more realistic proportions just appeals to my sense of aesthetic. Glad you enjoyed.
DeleteBeen watching the Borgias, these would be very appropriate againstpt Cesare and his Black Band
ReplyDeleteLoved that show! There are two, one with Jeremy Irons and another with a different cast and I believe shown to a European audience initially. Both were interesting I thought.
DeleteSir, with variety being the spice of life (and wargaming) you must be a veritable Colonel Sanders of the gaming table! Your taste in figures is also impeccable as the old Ral Patha figures are beautiful under-stated sculpts.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible I suffer a bit from the "Ooh Shiny" dilemma! Of course I never get tired of painting the same old thing...
DeleteLovely Italian wars troops,I'm working on some Ral Partha Renaissance figures at the moment, I'm keeping them in their own units but they'll be fielded with the rest of my 28mm Italian wars troops.
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain. Being old school figures, and since Tom Meier tended to sculpt with realistic proportions, I suspect you will do best keeping them in their own units. Would love to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteBest,
David