WIP 1/2 of a two man tilt

[ChaosCossack]

One more...

Half of a combat scene between a Roman footsoldier and a Germanic tribesman (guess who's losing) from Pegaso in 54mm. I believe it's from a series of similar vignettes.
Right now it's mostly done save: only first coat on the cloak, the sandals and the shield.
As for the shield, the box art shows it as being covered in what appears to be tanned leather but I can't find pics anywhere that shows Roman shields that aren't heavily painted and embossed. As I have zero background in this period I hoped someone might shine some light on this for me before I continue.
For now I'll start on the German with the wooden skullcracker who's winning this fight!

Thanx
Colin

 

[Archelaos]

Roman shields (scutum) were made from thin strips of wood glued together in many layers. This produced extremely strong shield, but also one that was relatively poor in contact with moisture (it destroyed the glue). This wasn't a big deal in Italy, but in Northern Europe it become real problem, so Romans used leather covers to protect the shield.

The figure is most probably meant to represent battle at Teutoburg Forest where Romans were ambushed during march, so they have the covers on.

 

[megroot]

Colin,
The cover is from leather. (don it myself lately).
If you want to paint roman shields, here is a good site: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/luke/ueda-sarson/NotitiaPatterns.html

Marc

 

[ChaosCossack]

Marc,

OK, so the shield is covered in natural coloured, tanned leather... should the centre bosse be iron or bronze? Any thoughts on the number plaque and the hanging strips (ie leather or coloured cloth)?

Thanx much for your imput, I'm kinda lost on this subject matter... I just really liked the scene, very dynamic

Colin

 

[ChaosCossack]

Archelaos,

You're dead on about the scenario, and marc seconded your info about the leather cover... do you have anything re: the other details... centre bosse, plaque and straps?

Thanx for the info
Colin

 

[Archelaos]

Cover was over whole shield, including central boss, so all of it should have leathery colour.
On the other hand the plaque seems to be a metal (bronze) piece with some decoration ribbons

 

[ChaosCossack]

Archelaos

That's just what I needed

Thanks so much
Colin