French Herald Vignette

Next in my featurette series of vignettes we have a French herald flanked by a standard bearer and Landsknecht with Zweihander.

All figures are Pro Gloria Miniatures. In this composition I wanted to try and show that their ranges don't necessarily have to have an Imperial focus and are quite versatile for use in other European armies, I thought they'd make a great addition to my burgeoning French army.

I'm quite pleased with this one, it has something of a narrative to it; whether addressing a garrison prior to a siege, announcing new taxes or stating terms of engagement as here;

I have painted the Herald in the red and yellow livery of Louis XII's guard units (beneath the tabard), I'm not sure if this was the case as despite my best efforts I have not been able to find an image of a herald contemporary to this reign so I've taken a guess that perhaps they wore the same livery.

Behind him carrying the French Royal banner is a Landsknecht in French Service who has affirmed his loyalties with a painted white cross of St. Denis on his breastplate and red and yellow plumes in his hat. His katzbalger sheath also has white cross motif's on a red ground, possibly indicating Swiss origins.

I was keen to offer contrast to the red and yellow so I opted for a rich two tone garb of blue and white hose and breeches.

In contrast to both figures, the hired protection of the group, is a mean Landsknecht Doppelsoldner resting on his Zweihander. I have painted him in rich but slightly muted colours to indicate him as being part of the Black Band who were hired by the French under the command of English rebel the Duke of Suffolk during the 1513 campaign (and for a number of occasions thereafter).

I know that the Black band were merely that in name rather than an indication of a muted appearance but i think the palette works in this instance.

He wears a tough leather doublet over a rich red and black damask jacket with the black and red slashed sleeves of the doublet underneath showing through, the black doublet further 'slashed' with inlaid cloth of silver - this man is good at his job and has the wares to prove it - i love this figure, it has so much character.

I'm very pleased with this, to a painter and some time gamer these vignettes really appeal - it's not helping swell the ranks of my army and it wont gain any advantage on the table but these things add some character and focus.

Bye for now

Stuart