A unit of Spanish Grenadiers in their magnificent bearskins!
Unfortunately the freezing rain today didn't allow me to take my pictures outside, which degrades their quality.
I chose to paint up one stand each in the uniforms of six out of the seven Line regiments that I have painted so far. There will eventually be 10 Line regiments, so another, smaller unit of 4 stands of Granaderos will eventually be forthcoming as well!
Thjis unit is composed of Front Rank figures. These were the first Spanish troops that I bought, circa 2010. I have been both looking forward to painting them, and dreading doing so ever since!
The problem, of course, was the magnificent bags or "flammes" that hand down from the backs of their exceptionally tall fur caps (evidently actually made of seal fur in the case of the Spanish!).
I knew there was no way I could really do justice to the intricate designs they more, which were individual to each regiment.
Thus I decided to go with the "1 foot rule" - would they convey the effect at that distance, as opposed to close up inspection. It seems the flammes in this era were in the facing color, with the lace work in the button color, with a provincial or other emblem at the top of the flamme (similar to those borne on the shields of the flags, presumably). I really couldn't do more than suggest those emblems, and then chose to do the rest of the flammes in a style similar to that seen on some examples, making 3 solid circles in the lace color, and then painting a smaller circle of the facing color within in to create a ring in the lace color.
The unit caries an Ordenanza flag of the dark blue faced Military Order regiment. Note the drummer in Royal Livery and the fifer in a fanciful uniform. The other stands have facings in scarlet, crimson, black, green, or violet.
I found a great Pininterest site with a huge stockpile of Spanish Napoleonic Uniform images, and especially a great many images of the bearskins of various regiments. I have copied a few below.
Peter, your stylized grenadier flammes are outstanding! I like your style very much. Thanks for including the bag plates for reference.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon. I think they actually look better than the pictures suggest.
DeleteSomeone might have a few Spanish Grenadier figures to paint himself? :-)
Yes, I do have a few Spaniards to paint. When? Who knows?
DeleteWhy, when you plan to have a Peninsular War battle with your 28 mm collection, of course!
DeleteWe always need grendaiers when playing Spanish troops...and these ones are superb!
ReplyDeleteThank you very kindly, Phil!
DeleteVery nicely done. They should be splendid on the table.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joe. They hope so! :-)
DeleteThe one-foot rule - I like that.
ReplyDeleteVery well done.
On the one hand, sharing pictures of our work has certainly improved our collective painting quality. On the othjer hand, the camera sees things that we never notice during a game. Still, I might yet go back with an ink pen(s) and add a bit of detailing to the "crests" at the top of the flammes. Maybe.
DeleteGreat work on these and especially the bearskins. I am sure they will stand up much better than a foot away. At least with front Rank figures you are given a little more space to play around on.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurence. That was a big factor in choosing them, plus at that time there weren't a lot of other options for the Spanish. The choices have really exploded in the past year, with Brigade games, Three Armies, and now Perry coming out with new figures.
DeleteExcellent stylistic interpretation of the Bearskins, great work Peter!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them, Mark!
DeleteLovely grenadiers and a splendid compromise on the flamme!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain! Merry Christmas!
Delete