Sunday, January 4, 2015

Sir Giles d'Argentan

Added a spare Mirliton helm to this FireForge figure to represent Giles d'Argentan. Sir Giles was a Norman knight in the service of the English at the beginning of the 14th C. He served both Edward I and Edward II.
Sir Giles was reputed to be "One of the Three Most Accomplish Knights in Christendom." The other two being Robert the Bruce and the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII.
Sir Giles was also hopelessly addicted to the tournament. So much so that he went AWOL to attend these while on campaigns in Scotland with Edward I. An infuriated Edward I had him imprisoned for such antics. Edward II was only too happy to pardon him and added him to his entourage.
Sir Giles was a favorite of Edward II and along with Aymer de Valence was the king's bodyguard at Bannockburn in 1314. After ensuring the king would safely depart the battlefield he declared he was not the type to flee the enemy and charged back alone into the fray and to his demise.
Ran out of Testors Dullcote, so used some brush on Vallejo Matte, but it appears the finish is a bit satiny; at least in the photos while using the flash. I must pick up another can as soon as Michael's puts out another 40-50% discount coupon.
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49 comments:

  1. MontyJanuary 4, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    Outstanding heraldry, Dean! He looks like one of the top 3 knights of his era. Well done!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 4, 2015 at 4:56 PM

      Thanks, Monty. Appreciate the nice comments. Regards, Dean

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  2. Jonathan FreitagJanuary 4, 2015 at 4:56 PM

    Wow! Horse and rider are BOTH striking! Your brushwork on the heraldry is quite amazing.

    Great history. Sounds like d'Argentan was not one to run from a fight or a jousting tournament. I bet he was a hard drinker too!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 4, 2015 at 5:00 PM

      Thanks, Jonathan. I bet he was quite a handful. He definitely didn't worry about displeasing the Hammer of the Scots. Best, Dean

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  3. UnknownJanuary 4, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    He was a real life man's man. Daring, loyal, hard fighting, all the right stuff. And so very well painted. I've greatly enjoyed this series!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 4, 2015 at 8:40 PM

      Thanks, Anne. He must've been a hit with the ladies too, I'm sure. Appreciate the visit and kind comment. Warm regards, Dean

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  4. CurtJanuary 4, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    I've been absent for a bit and have missed a lot of your recent efforts. I must say this new foray is amazing Dean. You're doing such masterful work on these figures - bravo!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 4, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Thank you very much, Curt. I've been remiss to visit the many fine blogs out there too - not the least yours. Happy 2015! Dean

      Delete
  5. Ray RousellJanuary 4, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    One of your best efforts I think Dean, the heraldry is excellent, it must have been hard to paint with all those folds on the trappings! And an excellent snippet of history too. Sounds like they need to make a film about this guy??

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    1. DeanMJanuary 4, 2015 at 11:00 PM

      Thanks, Ray! I am quite please with the way this one turned out too. I've come to enjoy the folds in the trapper - particularly when the folds cover part of the heraldry so I don't have to paint them :)! It would be nice to see these guys on the screen. In fact, I would like to see one on Edward II. I think he's been much maligned by history. Warm regards, Dean

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  6. Simon Quinton January 4, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    I'm constantly impressed with all the knights and there heraldry that your doing. Top notch all round!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:07 AM

      Thanks so much for the compliment, Simon. Best, Dean

      Delete
  7. Moiterei_1984January 4, 2015 at 11:53 PM

    Again a true masterpiece! I have the impression you're getting better and better with the heraldry.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:08 AM

      Thank you for the kind comments; I think my "heraldry" hand is loosening up :)! Best, Dean

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  8. Andrew McCoryJanuary 5, 2015 at 1:21 AM

    Nice work as usual - I think I'll be painting more knights soon myself.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:09 AM

      Thanks, Andras. Anything to help out a fellow hobbyist! :) Regards, Dean

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  9. Ubique MattJanuary 5, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    Lovely detailed painting. I know how hard it is the maintain the 'uniform' look to the patterns so congrats.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:10 AM

      Thanks, Matt. I tried to keep "less is more" in mind when painting them. Regards, Dean

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  10. RodgerJanuary 5, 2015 at 1:46 AM

    Fantastic work again Dean! The heraldry is amazing!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:12 AM

      Appreciate the visit and kind comments, Rodger! Best, Dean

      Delete
  11. RogJanuary 5, 2015 at 1:48 AM

    Another amazing work! This is a true piece of wonder. The heraldry in particular is fantastic, Although differently coloured, Sir Giles coat of arms is similar to the coat of arms of Galicia, as depicted in the "L´armorial Le Blancq" - cfr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Galicia_%28Spain%29#mediaviewer/File:Escudo_reino_de_galicia.jpg Congratulations! :)

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:19 AM

      Thanks you for the link - yes, indeed they arms are similar with the chalice an crosses. The "cups" look almost like censers too. Regards, Dean

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  12. Black PowderJanuary 5, 2015 at 2:15 AM

    You've exceeded yourself here Dean, AMAZING work on the horse and barding!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:20 AM

      Thanks, Soren. Your similar work on FireForge figures was inspiring. Best, Dean

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  13. ScottswargamingJanuary 5, 2015 at 2:15 AM

    Great stuff Dean, I like Pallomino horse effect.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:21 AM

      Thank you very much, Scott. I had originally painted the horse a light dun, but it thought the grey would be a better contrast to the red barding. Glad I changed it. Best, Dean

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  14. Paul´s BodsJanuary 5, 2015 at 2:52 AM

    Excellent! His part at bannockburn is my favourite part of the battle, the way he just turned back and charged the scottish sheltron with Little Chance ...the stuff of heroism

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:24 AM

      Thanks, Paul. Yes, that move would definitely be bad move even in a wargame. Reminded me of when I charged my chariots into phalanxes! RIP, Sir Giles. Best, Dean

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  15. PhilJanuary 5, 2015 at 5:14 AM

    Another outstanding paintjob Dean, fantastic!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:24 AM

      Thank you for the visit and nice words, Phil. Best to you, Dean

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  16. Michael AwdryJanuary 5, 2015 at 5:24 AM

    I never tire of looking at this stunning miniatures - great work Dean.

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:27 AM

      That's great to know, Michael! I appreciate that. Warm regards, Dean

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  17. peterJanuary 5, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    For me the horse is the eyecather this time! Excellent work over all!

    Greetings
    Peter

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 6:28 AM

      Thank you very much for the visit and kind comments, Peter. Regards, Dean

      Delete
  18. AdamC1776January 5, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    Very cool work on heraldry

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  19. Evan HughesJanuary 5, 2015 at 7:46 AM

    The dappled grey coat of the horse works very well indeed, and that caparison is brilliant.

    You certainly know how to pick the most interesting characters from the Middle Ages - what inspires you most to paint a figure as an historical personage; their heraldry or their deeds?

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:50 AM

      Appreciate the nice comments, Evan. As for selecting subjects it would be a combination of their history as well as their arms. Kind Regards, Dean

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  20. maximexJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Hello.
    Great new work, Dean.
    The words run out, others are have been saying all...

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    1. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:51 AM

      Thank you for your kind words. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  21. OliJanuary 5, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Superb paintwork, I wish I could paint heraldry like that!

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  22. CyrusJanuary 5, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    Another fantastic figure Dean!

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  23. DannocJanuary 5, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    Stunning

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  24. DeanMJanuary 5, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    Thanks, Gents! Appreciate the new year's visit and nice comments. Regards, Dean

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  25. Schedler Vincent January 6, 2015 at 12:48 AM

    Great work and details , very fine paint Dean .
    Compliments .

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  26. DHC WargamesJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:13 AM

    Wow Dean... now you are really cracking out one great mini after the next!

    It is also funny that you should post Pembroke on the day we arrived in Pembrokeshire for our holidays (part of the reason why I am only replying now... I could for some reason not post to bloodspot while on holiday!)!

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    1. DeanMJanuary 7, 2015 at 6:19 AM

      Thanks as always, Burkhard. Appreciate the blog visit - particularly when on your holiday! Sounds like you had a great time over the holidays. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  27. Vive l'EmpereurJanuary 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Came out looking great. I like how you painted the heraldry by hand instead of using decals. Fore sure, a showcase piece.

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