Thursday, April 2, 2015

Günther von Schwarzburg, King of the Germans

Here is a Black Tree Design Early-HYW knight, painted up as Günther von Schwarzburg. He was elected King of Germans in 1349, but renounced his kingship the same year to Charles of Luxemburg. Günther died soon after this, at the age of about 45. Interestingly, Edward III was offered the crown first, due to his wife Philippa of Hainault's bloodline, but was turned down by Edward.
I've always wanted to paint this guy up as the splinted and studded limb armor, popular in Germany, looks pretty cool.
Putty was used fill out the splinted armor on his forearms, as well as to cover the laminated shoulder pieces to replicate sleeves for the short surcoat. A piece of plastic sprue was fashioned for the hanging nasal guard.
The heraldic lions on the surcoat are positioned diagonally which is how it is painted on Von Schwarburg's memorial.
Below are images of the actual effigy of Von Schwarzburg at the Imperial Cathedral in Frankfurt.
Although there are a few more BTD knights in the paint queue, I've been thinking about Napoleonics using a simplified version of Black Power. More to follow.
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24 comments:

  1. RodgerApril 2, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    Excellent work again Dean!

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 6:28 AM

      Thank you, Rodger. Appreciate the visit and comment. Regards, Ddean

      Delete
  2. HandgrenadealienApril 2, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Excellent Heraldry work there Dean, nice touch showing the source material as proof of your 'working' :).
    Rgds HGA.

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 6:31 AM

      Thanks, HGA! Yes, the actual representation of the surcoat lions are the only one I've seen going diagonally. Although pictured in many sources, the lions are usually shown in straight lines. Best, Dean

      Delete
  3. Black PowderApril 2, 2015 at 11:10 PM

    With a name like that - what else can you be, but the King of the Germans? Really nice work on adding all the little details, the result is "Sehr Gut"!

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 6:32 AM

      Thank you, Soren. Your kind words are much appreciated. Regards, Dean

      Delete
  4. HaWiorApril 3, 2015 at 1:28 AM

    It is him. You made it perfectly 1:1 :)
    The patterns are great.

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 6:32 AM

      Thank you very much for your nice comments! Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  5. Jonathan FreitagApril 3, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    Fantastic heraldry work on Herr von Schwarzburg. I enjoy seeing you back up your painting interpretations with historical evidence.

    You are an artist AND scholar!

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      Thanks, Jonathan. You're too kind. "scholar" :) or "Google-Wiki master" :)! Best, Dean

      Delete
  6. Bartek ZyndaApril 3, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    Fantastic job Dean!

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  7. PhilApril 3, 2015 at 7:55 AM

    He looks great, love the heraldy once again!

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Appreciate the kind words, Phil! Regards, Dean

      Delete
  8. RogApril 3, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    A wonderful job, on all accounts - and on one of my favourite models from BTD - I use this mini as profile pic ;) Thanks for sharing, Dean! Greetings, and Happy Easter :D

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 9:15 AM

      Thank you very much! Aha! I do see him as your profile image - didn't realize that at first :) Happy Easter! Dean

      Delete
  9. JasonApril 3, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    Excellent work Dean! Your heraldry work is quite magnificent.
    Best wishes,
    Jason

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 12:55 PM

      Thanks, Jason. Appreciate the kind words. Regards, Dean

      Delete
  10. Unlucky GeneralApril 3, 2015 at 1:39 PM

    Dean,
    Love your work as always - it's why I follow your blog after all. If I may be so bold as to make a small suggestion? I think your use of the camera flash is not bringing out the best in your shots. I suspect definition in the final figure is getting lost in glare and it may be affecting the colour register. It may just be my personal preference of course. I apologize for my unsolicited remarks. Very nice work all the same - the flash or otherwise can't distort that.

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 2:44 PM

      Thank you very much for your kind words and thoughtful advice. I really appreciate this. I continue to struggle with taking photos of the minis, and wondered if the images reflected them in the best light, pardon the pun. Sometimes, like this one, I try to take some good pictures, but finally give up after a while :) I will continue to try and improve the photography though. Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to post your very useful comments. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  11. Ray RousellApril 3, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    Top work once again Dean, Beautiful work!

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    1. DeanMApril 3, 2015 at 2:44 PM

      Thanks as always, Ray! Appreciate the continued visit and nice comments. Best, Dean

      Delete
  12. John LambsheadApril 4, 2015 at 2:12 AM

    I kneel in awe at your skill, Dean.

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  13. Simon Quinton April 4, 2015 at 4:37 AM

    Lovely and very much like the effigy in the cathedral

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