Following on from my previous post, I thought I would just share some close up images of the first Swiss pike block in the army of Capriccio.
But, just before that... the answer to the question posed last time about where the name "Capriccio" comes from (and thanks to those who commented and guessed... and no, it's nothing to do with me ever owning a Ford Capri!)
When I was starting to plan this army, I happened to be listening to some music, and there it was; Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien. A lively and evocative piece of music which I first discovered when it was one of the extra tracks on a CD of the 1812 Overture that I frequently listened to whilst painting (it's a wonder I didn't get into Napoleonics!).
Anyway, that's the source of the Grand Duchy of Capriccio. The name somehow seemed to fit with a renaissance Italian state.
Now on to the Swiss.
For these I used the plastic Landsknechts from Warlord Games. Whilst their accuracy can be questioned by those more knowledgeable than I on the subject, I think they fit the bill for our NMTB armies. I simply decided to paint them as Swiss as I believe that by the early 16th century there was very little to choose between Swiss and Landsknechts in terms of clothing styles.
Talking of clothing, I have dispensed with the cantonal livery associated with the earlier Burgundian Wars Swiss armies, with which many readers may be familiar. Depicting a later style, I decided to go with a Swiss red theme, with just a hint of the cantonal colours of Berne for this unit.
On another matter, entirely. I know there are those who like to do large pike blocks containing many dozens of figures. And that's great. I myself have done so in the past with 54-figure pike blocks back in 2003-2005 when I previously did an Italian Wars project. However, before writing off or dismissing the 2-company (24-figure) pike blocks represented here, it's important to remember the NMTB armies are merely representative, and the system gives a great game, so we're going with it!
Right, here's those pictures:
The full unit:
The fourth rank:
The third rank:
The second rank:
The front rank:
Skirmishers:
That's all for now folks...
Mystery solved/answered. The unit looks very smart in red and sports some great beards!
ReplyDeleteStephen
Thanks Stephen. the faces (and facial hair) make the figures very characterful. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteLovely painting yet again. Must resist the urge to try my hand at something similar. I think I have the same 1812 Overture CD with Capriccio Italien included. Ford Capri! What was I thinking? Please don't christen your next imaginary lands Granada or Cortina. Neil
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil. It's a great piece of music. If you play it, don't blame me when you get into another hobby project! Granada and Cortina do have a certain ring to them! Best regards. Phil
DeleteVery nicely done Phil, they look great, the colour scheme works so well. I must admit I would never have got the Capriccio one at all but all has been revealed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donnie. I do like the colour scheme too. It says "Swiss" to me. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteGreat figures. May I be so bold as to suggest an addition-
ReplyDeletehttps://www.perry-miniatures.com/product/ea34-swiss-horns-and-bear/
Opps , forgot to say it was me Alan Tradgardland
DeleteThanks Alan. Have already eyed that up, but I think 'Bear baiting' is banned in Capriccio! Best rgds. phil
DeleteBeautiful looking unit!
ReplyDeleteThx Christopher. Very enjoyable to paint. Best regards. Phil
DeleteVery fine Swiss added there. Will they have a bear?
ReplyDeleteThx David. See reply to Alan above! It's tempting though... Best regards. Phil
DeleteExcellent work as ever Phil and thanks for filling us in on the background. John
ReplyDeleteThanks John. I'm sure you will send them running when you face them on the tabletop! Best regards. Phil
DeleteLovely work indeed Phil…
ReplyDeleteAll the best. Aly
Thanks Aly. You want some, don't you?!!! Go on. One more project for the butterfly. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteAnother entertaining blog Phil with some thought provoking ideas. I have a similar issue with Swiss for my Italian Wars project so all ears as to solutions. The Italian Wars Swiss need to be distinguished between the earlier Burgundian Wars Swiss and also their landsknechts cousins (or foes!). This can through colour and styling. I still feel the Swiss of that period were a little less flamboyant than their Imperial equivalents. Warlord now do Italian War Swiss to coincide with the Death and the Landsknecht supplement but not everyone is a fan. Another thread here is the representation of Pike blocks and that will be very much driven by the rule system. Do uou choose a rule system because you enjoy the game or for its modelling of the armies? Always the question!
ReplyDelete