Thursday 20 December 2012

French Picard Pike






This is a slight deviation from the work in hand but how to tackle the French infantry has been playing on my mind for quite a while now, and, it's also my first day off.....what better way to spend it !

So, here's the carefully considered result.

From what I have been able to gather, the known proportion of native French infantry in the Valois army of 1513 is relatively low, or conjectural anyway; the only skirmishes with the English that summer were predominantly cavalry engagements. This will be reflected in the armee that I will put together; Lansquenets will make up the body of the infantry, after that adventurier crossbowmen and then some Picard pike.

The Pike, though relatively small in number (I'll probably do about 16 on a single impetus style base) will be a focal point and I intend to have them representing part of the Therouanne garrison - thus seeing a fair bit of action skirmishing with the English bow and bill during the course of the siege.

I have taken some inspiration as a starting point from the images below;


The painting on the right is from a series which chronicle Louis XII's campaign of 1507 in Genoa, from which it looks like the late 19th century print on the left appears to take some influence from.

The figure is a mix of various parts from the Perry mercenaries boxed set with a metal Tudor head added.



I chose to add the pavise as I considered that this would feature in siege sorties, particularly against the English bowmen. Also, the French captains instructed the front ranks of the Scots pike at Flodden to arm themselves in a similar fashion.

I want to have the whole unit in a standing pose so that all of their pavises with various designs can be proudly held and arrow spattered. I'll sculpt a bit of green stuff slashing on to the sleeves and legs of lesser armed companions.



I have enjoyed putting this figure together and will probably do a few more as and when the mood takes me. Though I think I shall see what is released over the coming year before I make a decision as to what to use for the command figures.......and erm, finish the Tudor army, yep - that's definitely still the priority !

Please do let me know what you think, I really want to get these right.

Stuart.

16 comments:

  1. Very interesting. Good job Stuart !

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  2. That looks fantastic and very detailed. The arrow in the shield is fabulous - those small touches really make a difference.

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  3. Hello,
    The add of the pavise is a very good idea...and this french pikeman is excellent !!! (as well as the two white cross)
    Nikko

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  4. Great pikeman Stuart, this project is really interesting ! I hope you will come in France with it one day ;)
    J-B

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  5. Love the pose Stuart, it's a really nice model

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  6. Stunning woek Stuart !

    Best regards michael

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  7. Excellent Job. I must say that this blog is always worth a visit. The skill level and knowledge of/dedication to the subject are a credit. Thanks for taking the time.

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  8. That is a lovely bit of painting! A unit will look very fine.

    Cheers, Simon

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  9. A nice conversion Stuart. I think that the use of pavises by the French is entirely possible and it will add some great visual variety to the unit.
    Didn't realise the French looked so ugly in the 16th century!
    Nice work - once again!
    Simon.

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    1. that's definitely one of the uglier Tudor heads, no matter how many times i've painted it.

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  10. As always Really nice :-) and the little back ground info is good too. Its because of Blogs like yours I've decided to give 28mm another go. I do know if I should thank you for the inspiration or mention to the wife that I'm now having to spend more on shiny things:-) ......I think a thank you will serfice. shh don't tell the wife:-)

    Jason

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    1. Yep, I think that's definitely a catching affliction, i've heard it's incurable too

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  11. Really nice, always motivates me to try harder with my own stuff.

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  12. Excellent figure conversion and always interesting to read your reasoning and research into your subject.

    One thought though is that I think the proportion of infantry to cavalry for the period was pretty standard for the French at this time, it's just as you say, the actions were predominantly cavalry based, the infantry just wasn't involved but as ever, your army build can reflect any view you wish. Carry on sir. All good.

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  13. Your miniature are absolutely stunning. I have a few questions about which companies models you use. Are they perry with your own additions mostly or do you use other companies models?

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    1. Hi Jim, they are mostly Perry with my own additions. These French pike were converted from the mercenaries boxed set with some green stuff added.

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