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.

49 comments:

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

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

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  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  10. Fantastic work again Dean! The heraldry is amazing!

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

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

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

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  13. Great stuff Dean, I like Pallomino horse effect.

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    1. 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. 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. 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. Another outstanding paintjob Dean, fantastic!

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

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

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

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

    Greetings
    Peter

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

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

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Warm regards, Dean

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

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  21. Another fantastic figure Dean!

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

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

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  24. 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. 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

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  25. 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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