Garde Mobile 1870

[ghamilt1]

This is of course JMD's excellent release of a soldier in France's Garde Mobile, or militia which fought in the later stages of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. I was inspired to paint this after a recent trip to Paris, where I was able to see a selection of paintings by Earnest Meissonier which were on exhibit at the French Army Museum. I actually bought the figure in Girona, but the exhibit was very interesting, and I made sure this was the first one I did when I got back.

I've noticed JMD has put out some excellent fantasy figures lately, but I hope they won't abandon the historical side of things, because I would love to see how their talented sculptors would handle a Prussian Cuirassier or member of Napoleon III's Imperial Guard (hint...I have set aside the required money for just such an occassion and I would hope I'm not alone on that point.) Comments always welcome and I look forward to exchanging ideas with you all. Cheers;

Glenn

 

[billyturnip]

Glenn, I've seen those same paintings in Paris and I've got to say you've done a fantastic job on this figure.

I know a certain French member of the forum who will love this.... Seb, where are you?

Roger

 

[megroot]

Glenn,
What i can see from this blurred pictures is that you did some amazing brushwork.
Is there a possibility that you can made some new pictures.

marc

 

[Marcel]

Excellent paintwork Glenn!

 

[Sambaman]

Nice work Glen! And I agree, JMD has some mighty good offerings these days!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[rej]

Great painting Glenn.........this is a very beautiful piece indeed!!!

Keep them rolling.........

Ray

 

[Gary D]

Nice work Glen. What scale is it?

Gary D

 

[Wendy]

Very nice painting job on a nice figure. I particularly like the shading on the yellow shirt.

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Wendy, it's actaully a lamb skin jerkin, or vest which I painted in a buff colour hence the yellow appearence.

Gary, this is JMD's 54mm range but it is actually closer to 65 or 70 mm. I'm not sure of the number exactly, but it is bigger than the standard 1/32 scale.

Roger, Jay, Ray and Marcel thank you all very much for your kind words of encouragement.

Thank you also Marc, I am quickly comming to the conclusion that I need to upgrade my camera. I will try for some better pictures as soon as I get a chance.

 

[theseeker]

Glen,
Beautiful painting!
Rocky

 

[eissteban]

Glenn, I've seen those same paintings in Paris and I've got to say you've done a fantastic job on this figure.

I know a certain French member of the forum who will love this.... Seb, where are you?

Roger

i'm here my friend , now you know me very well

Yes, glenn you did a superb job on this fantastic figure.
It's nice to see that the mobiles aren't forget , they replaced the imperial french army after the disaster of Sedan.

I think Jason will like it very much too

Seb.

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Rocky, glad you liked it.
Thanks Seb. I picked up two Osprey books on the French Army during the 1870 war with Prussia while I was at Les Invalides in Paris. Very interesting reading and fantastic subject matter for the figure painter. I'm very glad you liked my effort here.

 

[davidmitchell]

Very nice work on this fantastic figure.

David

 

[ghamilt1]

Dave; Thanks very much. It is a great figure to build and to paint. I highly reccommend it.

 

[Roc]

The pictures are bit blurry, but the good work shows though.
Thanks for sharing.

Cheers
Roc

 

[Tommi]

Glen, wonderful painting on another great figure, you have made a fine job of this,
Tommi

 

[tonydawe]

G'day Glenn,

Fantastic painting mate, looks like Girona really inspired you.

Just one point, I noticed that the bayonet appears to be upside down and a bit crooked and appears to be fixed above the muzzle rather than underneath it. It's hard to see from the photos and I may be wrong, but something doesn't look quite right to me.

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Roc and Tommi, appreaciate the comments. Tony I think you are right. I took another look and the bayonet does seem upside down. I wasn't sure but it appeared that the Chassepot rifle had a side mounted bayonet, which is why its off to the side, but no excuses for being upside down! I'll fix that rest assured.