Gonfalonier of the Order of St John, 1565

[Mike Vella]

This is a 70mm figure from Elite Miniaturas depicting a gonfalonier if the Order of St John during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Finished last autumn, it is entirely in acrylics except for the armour which is buffed metal washed in raw umber ink and highlighted with acrylic steel. The whole was then sealed in gloss varnish to prevent the metal from darkening.

This model also holds a very special place in my heart as it was given to me by my best friend David Grech of Degree Miniatures (a small Maltese enterprise) some months ago. Unfortunately, Dave recently passed away following a long and cruel illness. He was an incredibly talented person who could do anything he set his mind to. Dave and I went back a long way and have shared so many modelling, wargaming, and family experiences together. He was an avid Napoleonic re-enactor, was best man at my wedding and was "Uncle Dave" to my kids. Even today, almost a month from his passing, I am still in denial that he is no longer with us. May he rest in peace.

Mike

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

A classic by Augie Rodriguez back in the day, did you ever see his WIP on sculpting this fellow Mike?
He was renown for exhaustively providing provenance & background on his projects like this renaissance classic.

Can imagine an incredibly poignant project with its link to Dave.
Thoughts with you & entire Maltese modelling crew.
Happy 2025!
MikeTheKiwi