A couple of years ago, while we were lucky enough to take in the Partizan show in Newark, DaveD very kindly agreed to paint up a unit of Stradiot light cavalry for me. Being a gentleman and a scholar, he sent back the beautifully completed models just before last year's Painting Challenge. Now that the hurly burly of the Challenge is well behind us I thought it high time to get them based and ready for action. So, here they are in all their wicker-hatted glory.
The Stradiots were mercenary light cavalry which fought in south and central Europe from the 15th to the middle of the 18th century. Very well regarded by those who served with them, they were typically recruited from Albania, Greece, Serbia, Dalmatia and Cyprus.
These are 28mm metal castings from Perry Miniatures' 'European Armies' range.
I really admire how Dave's painting has made each figure unique, differing their shield devices, the colour of their garb and their lance pennants - it all serves to highlight their status as irregular troops.
It took a little bit of trial and error to get the basing colours similar to my other units, but it came out alright in the end.
Thanks so much Dave! They are an absolutely wonderful, and a prized addition to the growing host. Magnifico Bellissimo!
Next up are some infantry reinforcements and this time the talented brushwork originates not only from another continent, but another hemisphere!
