Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy

The completed figure of Charles the Bold, the command figure for my Burgundian Ordonnance army.

He wears a fully gilded harness in the 'german' style and carries a baton bearing a fleur-de-lys - see the previous posting for the conversion work that Oliver of Steel Fist Miniatures has done on this figure. His horse bears the arms of Burgundy, which took some time to paint panel by panel.

I chose to paint the chain mail as steel, although examples of gilded mail do exist. This was partly based on The Last Judgement painting by Petrus Christus, which portrays gilded plate harness with steel mail, and as it creates some visual contrast. I'm happier with the tones for the gilded armour than those I'd previously been using - the base colour is Vallejo Air Colour Bright Brass. I've then washed over a thin mix of GW black and brown washes. The Bright Brass was then painted over as a highlight, with a final highlight - used sparingly to just pick out the highest points on the armour - of Vallejo Model Colour Gold.

I've added a mace to be carried from the saddle. Having initially thought that it would be slung from the wrist strap on the saddle,  but logically that would hit into the horse's flanks when moving at any speed. I then realised how few contemporary illustrations I could find on the web and in books of maces and axes being carried as the secondary weapon to a lance, prior to use, even when stretching my search to the early 16th century.  I found this one interesting one below (and another late 15th century Flemish painting I couldn't copy) which show a mace attached at it's head by a metal ring to the saddle. This appears to be a practical solution (even if rarely shown), so I've sought to replicate this. I'd be interested if anyone has any more info on this topic?

The figure of the duke will be part of a command base for a unit of mounted men at arms, representing household retainers. I've also completed a herald to accompany him. This is a Perry Minis Wars of the Roses range metal figure and horse. The only changes have been the addition of a feather on his hat and the tops of turned down riding boots, rather than the hose he's wearing.  I went for some contrasting (and simpler!) Burgundian devices on his tabard. 

A mounted standard bearer and a retainer on foot holding the duke's lance in readiness, are planned to complete this base.