Continuing the (temporary) switch back to Napoleonics, I had a bevy of French command figures from two prior Piano Wargames Kickstarters, so I will lead off with those.
The three figures on the left are French Infantry Colonels; to the far right is an ADC to a General de Division, identified by the red brassard on his left arm Aides to a General de Brigade had light blue brassards, and aides to a Marshal (while not technically a rank) wore white one.
On the left a Colonel of a Ligne regiment in covered shako, then another one in great coat and chapeau.
Middle right is a Colonel (or Chef de Battalion) of a Legere regiment.
A couple of prominent French generals form the 1809 Campaign on the Danube.
To the left, of course, is Antoine Charles Louis de Lassalle, brandishing his pipe!
On the right is General de Division Louis-Vincent-Joseph Le Blond de St. Hilaire.
Supposedly Napoleon promised St Hilaire his Marshal's baton after the battle of Eggmuhl; unfortunately, he was wounded at the Battle of Aspern-Essling and died from infection of his wounds several weeks later. Lassalle unfortunately suffered a similar fate, being killed during a charge late in the day at the Battle of Wagram. Both were sorely missed thereafter.
Who's that unassuming figure in the grey overcoat?
Why the Emperor, himself, of course!
He's receiving an urgent message from an ADC to a Brigadier General,
accompanied by Marshal Berthier and an officer of the line Chasseurs a cheval.
It seems that I am always needing a commander for a French Cavalry Corps composed mostly of Dragoons!
I used 2 spare Dragoon figures from Piano Wargames, and this general in overcoat; being in command of Dragoons, I gave him a green one suitable to them.
His dog accompanies him in the filed!
A fine looking bunch!
Guess the Marshal..
I'm sure most of you had little doubt this is one other the "Iron Marshal" himself, Louis Nicolas Davout, Duc d' Auerstadt and Prince d' Eckmuhl.
He is accompanied by an infantry colonel, an ADC, and a line Chasseur.
Already having no less than 3 Davout figures, I gifted this group to my freind, Mark. Both Mark and I share with Davout membership in the League of Bald Headed Gentlemen! :-)
Another set of Commanders...
To the left, Marshal Bessieres with one of his guides.
In the center is General de Division Nicolas Charles Oudinot, who would be awarded his Marshal's baton at the conclusion of the 1809 campaign in Austria.
Finally, on the left we have Marshal Jean Lannes, one of Napoleon's ablest commanders, and one of his few true friends. Lannes of course was wounded at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, and died of complications of his wounds later that month, a grievous loss for the Emperor, the Army, and France.
Plenty of personality in these too with your fine painting and basing.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, James
Glad you like them, James!
DeleteThese look very nice indeed. The Napoleonic period is full of such characters and it’s great to be able to represent them on the table. Do you the same for your Austrians?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ian. I agree, the many personalities of the Napoleonic era are part of what makes it so interesting! As for the die Österreicher, oh ja, wir muss viele Offiziere haben! As part of his 1809 range, Lucas does a LOT of Austrian personalities... indeed, I have a few more of them on the painting desk right now.
DeleteWow, outstanding painting of those lovely figures.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Richard; you are too kind, as always!
DeleteGreat work, lovely based and painted figures, super command stands.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donnie. The Piano Wargames figures are superb!
DeleteA great collection of recognisable personailities. I must have another look at Lucas's site to see what I have missed in the past few months.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lawrence!
DeleteEarlier in 2026 was the Baden Kickstarter - superb figures, but I have all the Badeners I need already (although I may add the Baden Hussars). Late this year will be the 1809 Saxon army Kickstarter; I have Saxons for the later era, but not this one, so the next KSD is going to cost me some $! :-)
Very nice command groups Peter - those Piano figures are very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThey are really great sculpts!
DeleteWonderful command, looks great, I must get that Davout figure!! Great idea with the Dragoon command too :)
ReplyDeleteDavout is very nice; I already had 3 others of the Iron Marshal (Minifigs, Old Glory, and ? Foundry vs Front Rank). I was very happy with he Dragoon base, and it got good use in the Campaign!
DeleteQuite the parade of command and staff. i seem to remember some of them across the table at times. Looking forward to the sausage eaters.
ReplyDeleteThanks; Joe; an Austrian group is primed , with the mounts just started... along with 50 some odd total horse for France, Austria, and Bavaria!
DeleteSplendid bevy of French command, they all look great!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you, Iain!
Delete