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!
They are splendid! The wicker hats are a surprise, I haven't seen that particular fashion before - is it a 16th C crash helmet perhaps?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on landing such a terrific unit, and plaudits to Dave for that great paint job!
Thanks Ev, Dave did a sweet job. I think the hats were more for the sun and heat, though they do look like they could take a good whack as well. :)
DeleteGreat to see the finished article . I did enjoy painting something a little different . I look forward to reading all about thier opening game rout!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, you did a brilliant job on these lads. Nonetheless, lovely paintjob or not, they will probably suffer the fate of most newly-painted miniatures and be made into speedbumps or targets for harquebus fire.
DeleteSuperb work on the light horse bods Dave. A lovely addition to your collection Curt :)
ReplyDeleteThey are rather smashing, aren't they.
DeleteA very fine addition to your collection Curt!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Yes, they're occupying a post of honor in the display cabinet.
DeleteHow splendid! What a thoroughly nice chap that Dave is. :)
ReplyDeleteTruly, I enjoy an embarrassment of riches when it comes to having friends from the hobby. :)
DeleteThose are absolutely lovely, a sight to behold. It can be very tempting to paint stradiots as a study in brown but he’s really done them justice while maintaining a unit feel. You both should be justly proud.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stuart. Yes, I really like that Dave went with a wide assortment of punchy colours for these lads. It seems to suit the period, at least to my lizard brain.
DeleteCurt they are superb, a really useful unit as well as they will be able to serve in loads of 16th Century Armies.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Oli. Yes, you're absolutely right, you can get a lot of mileage from these chaps.
DeleteWell done Dave! Those are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing them on table soon. Speaking of which, poke, poke...Curt if you want me to run an Italian Wars game this week you need to send me a list of your units soon....
Cheers
Peter
They are rather natty, aren't they.
DeleteActually, my list is the same as previous except for the addition of these jaunty fellows. Nonetheless, I'll try to remember to follow up with the official roster asap.
Beautifully painted Dave, what a fantastic addition to your collection Curt!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note Ray -They are a treat to be sure.
DeleteSpectacular work. I live the flags as well, they really help convey movement in these figures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee, yes, the pennants are ace and really finish off the figures nicely.
DeleteYou have some really interesting blog posts on here! Glad I found it!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you...Check out my blog if you get a chance!
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Gorgeous stradiots! Lovely colours and splendid shields! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Dave did a cracking job on them, for sure. Thanks for commenting Iain!
DeleteHoly smokes, fantastic work all around!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dude!
DeleteVery nice, I can see why you're chuffed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, they are a very nice addition to the collection. I have an infantry unit coming up which was painted by one of my antipodean friends which I'm very much looking forward to getting done.
DeleteWonderful work on these fellas Dave! You’ve done well in creating such a unique looking unit. Great basing as well Curt!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nick!
DeleteVery nice indeed Curt! Mr Docherty has certainly knocked them out of the park.
ReplyDeleteHe has indeed, Millsy. Thanks for dropping in, mate. Your's are coming up soon. :)
DeleteBit late to the party, but they look splendid!
ReplyDeleteCheers Robert!
DeleteMuch obliged.
DeleteYour work, along with some of the other blogs sporting Italian martial fashions of the 1500s have inspired quite a bit of Amazon purchases and reading. Though I think I need a playbill to keep all the characters straight.
Delighted to hear it Robert. Yes, it can get a bit confusing, almost as bad as The Wars of the Roses (but with better food and weather)!
DeleteColourful stuff indeed! Obviously the hats are not wicker - they'd blow off at the first canter. Rather the rippled effect is there to suggest a raggedy texture, as you'd get from roughly felted wool or a similar material.
ReplyDeleteAhh, perhaps you're right, Contrarius. Although, I'm not convinced felt would hold up any better at a good canter (or in a heavy rain for that matter). Nonetheless, in my mind's eye I still think of these chaps as fashion-forward fellows wearing wicker hats. ;)
DeleteA fantastic-looking unit, Curt! Love 'em. Great brushwork by Mr D.
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon, they are a great bunch of hooligans. :)
DeleteWonderful painting Dave and masterfully based as usual
ReplyDeleteVery colorful and dynamic poses!
ReplyDelete