Our preparations for Tactica convention are going on and so is the painting challenge. So my last entry for the bonus round "Heroes" was a figure that connects both topics:
General Jean-Jacques Desvaux de Saint-Maurice
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| Saint-Maurice's front... |
Jean-Jacques Desvaux de Saint-Maurice was a French general and artillery commander during the Napoleonic wars. During Napoleon's Russia campaign in 1812 he held command of the horse artillery of the Imperial Guard. Presumably he was one of Napoleon's best artillery commanders although he wasn't able to avert disaster in Russia. After Napoleon's return from Elba Desvaux stayed loyal to the Emperor and died on the fields of Waterloo.
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| ..and his back. |
To represent this able and brave officer I used one of the retreat 1812
figures by Perry Miniatures. Actually the miniatures depicts a hussar
but it fits perfectly for an officer of the Artiellerie à Cheval de la
Garde Impériale because the shape of the busby and the style of the
pelisse was similar. So I loved the idea to do something special with
the figure and followed an idea which a friend of mine planted in my
brain shamelessly.
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| Excellently sculpted face by Alan Perry |
Once again I must underline the excellence of the miniatures. It is extremely well detailed and everything is crisp and clear. The face is full of expression and it was extremely nice to paint. I enjoyed each and every brushstroke on him and I hope to have transported that into the result of my humble work.
As all the figures I presented for 1812 Saint-Maurice will be present at Tactica in Hamburg in two weeks. He'll be one of the playable characters in our 1812 skirmish game White Death which we'll present there.
That is an excellent figure. Love the "two fisted" fighting man look about him. The painting is great as well.
ReplyDeleteA very impressive model sir!
ReplyDeleteHe looks dashing and heroic (and slightly cold). Well done. A great challenge entry.
ReplyDeleteA mini diorama. Excellent painting.
ReplyDeleteWell done on him!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Excellent painting Stefan, I'm really enjoying your snowy Russia figures, keep up the fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteExcellent brushwork, and smart use of the figure. Best, Dean
ReplyDeleteWell done! I'll have a closer look at him at Tactica.
ReplyDeleteLovely looking figure, truely tempted by the winter campaign.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stu
Hello, I am one of General Desvaux descendant and I wanted to thank you for this figure, he was probably a very brave man indeed and very faithful to the Emperor. The beard give him an unexpected look for me as I live with a painting of the general where is doesn't have one, even if he had a moustache when younger.
ReplyDeleteHello,
Deletemany thanks for your kind comment.
Actually the picture which I used as reference for my paint job showed Desvazx with a moustache, But on the one hand I'm not skilled enough to re-model the face and on the other hand I found it plausible that the rigours of the retreat may have prohibited shaving. ;-)
He was surely an honest subject to Napoleon an gathered merits during several campaingns. It was great pleasure to relate this figure and my humble paintjob to his memory.
All the best
Stefan