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

 

[Edorta]

Fine technique over the armor, very convincing result, nice red tones and face, great work for me.

http://www.egminiaturas.com/

 

[MalcC]

Very nice work, I like the way you've handled the reds.

Malc

 

[Briggsy]

The armour is fantastic, well the whole figure is.

Sorry for your loss, it's always the worst side of life, keep his memory alive.

Cheers Simon

 

[Mike Vella]

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

Hi Mike. Many thanks for your kind words. No, unfortunately I’m not familiar with Augie Rodriguez but after your comment I’ll make it a point to look him up.

Thanks again and happy 2025 to you as well!

The other Mike

 

[Mike Vella]

Malc and Simon, thank you so much for visiting and commenting. Much appreciated!

Mike

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hi Mike. Many thanks for your kind words. No, unfortunately I’m not familiar with Augie Rodriguez but after your comment I’ll make it a point to look him up.

Thanks again and happy 2025 to you as well!

The other Mike

Here's a short note on it & some additional background on Augie there:
https://forums.delphiforums.com/eph2/messages/769/1
Hope that helps a little - RayF & IvanC were regular followers in the day so will be able to give some more background.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Redcap]

Wonderful work and a fine tribute.
Gary

 

[Oda]

Excellent figure and a most fitting tribute.

Oda.

 

[Mike Vella]

Thanks a million for the kind comments Gary and Oda!

 

[NigelR]

Very nice work, I too think you've handled the armour and the reds really well.

 

[Mike Vella]

Cheers Nigel!

 

[Mike Vella]

Fine technique over the armor, very convincing result, nice red tones and face, great work for me.

http://www.egminiaturas.com/

Thank you so much Eduardo. Sorry I missed your comment before

 

[Nap]

Hi Mike

Deepest sympathy to you, family and all club members at the sad loss , may he RIP

What a wonderful tribute to David this Figure is , fine artwork , the reds are very vibrant and nice armour work as well

A honour to see the piece

It would be great to see more painters from Malta here on PF both individual and as the club in the “friends of PF” forum

Thanks for sharing

Look forward to seeing more

Happy benchtime no matter what is there

Nap