Goodbye Old Man

[Dan Morton]

This is one of the classic WWI illustrations by Fortunio Matania. It was commissioned by the British animal welfare organization, the Blue Cross, and they continue to use it prominently in advertising, on their web site and sell it as a print, etc. The painting is on display now, according to the Blue Cross web page, in the IWM in London. This particular version was used on a poster by the American animal welfare organization, the Red Star. The poster shows a smaller portion of the original illustration.

Here's my question. Assuming this could be done as a small vignette - just the horse and the soldier and a bit of road, nothing else - would it be too much of a tear-jerker, too maudlin or would it be OK? Obviously I would avoid showing much of the horse's injuries, as Matania did in the original.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Christos]

I think it will be more than ok.This will be beautiful!
Start working with it.
best regards
christos

 

[Dan Morton]

Thank you for that extremely fast reply, Chris! I was actually still editing the post when you replied!

All the best,
Dan

 

[vergilius]

I should do it
just don't make the person too "caring"

 

[megroot]

Dan,
Ask no questions for this. Just doing it. It would be great.

marc

 

[Sambaman]

GO FOR IT!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[yeo_64]

DO IT, Dan ; it'll be a WINNER for sure !!!! Cheers !
Kenneth.

 

[Blind Pew]

DO NOT hesitate - a surefire winner if done well........... a really good subject. By all means make the soldier care - I think it's what would really carry this off.

 

[EasyOff]

I'd go for it. Each time I find a piece of art that stimulates emotion I leave feeling a little bit more enriched.

 

[PJ Deluhery]

I don't think the subject is too much. The relationship between a soldier and his horse has been a topic for a long time. I'm sure you will do a great job, and the story is a compelling subject for a vignette.

 

[Frank-Holger]

I think this will be a challenging project! If you do such stuff in fantasy it is ok, you can add blood and gore and nobody would say, stop it. Tackling real life tragedies is the other side of the medal, but done tastefull it will be a winner and show the horror of war.

I for myself would like to see it done by a Pro like you!

Frank

 

[captnenglish]

Dan,
If you look at almost any "Custer's Last Stand" figures or dios, vignettes, etc you will see virtually this scene, so no I do not see anything wrong with it.

 

[Dan Morton]

Many thanks for all the encouragement, especially you, Frank! Trust me I am anything but a pro! I make way too many mistakes and I'm clinging to my amateur status. Most of the time I'm just stumbling.

It's interesting that one of you said, in effect: "By all means show the soldier's emotions." and another said, "Don't over-do it." I know what both of you mean.

I'm still not sure about this project. I wouldn't want to muff it. It requires some thinking and planning....

All the best,
Dan

 

[renarts]

I'll admit Dan, I get a lump in my throat everytime I see that poster. (I've also had my horse die in my arms so it hits a little home for me.) But I also get an emotional response when I see dioramas like the one with the russian bomb dogs heading for the tanks. I'm just that kind of guy. (I fought in the ring and turned peoples anatomy into scar tissue yet get choked up over puppies in the pound....go figure)

That being said. I think you should do it. Well done, it will have the same effect, and isn't that what we strive for in a piece like this?

I've always wanted to do the picture of the horse standing obediently over his dead rider. I think it was called "after the charge" and depicts a dead curassieur. Sort of that reverse loyalty thing.

I wish you the best with this project and look forward to seeing it.

 

[herbwf]

Yes, do it. I think that the people who are part of this hobby understand the costs of war and would not think it was sappy or rabblerousing. This would indeed tell a story that is seldom touched on.
Good luck with it.
Herb

 

[Dan Morton]

Mike and Herb - Many thanks... Mike, I'm the same way about animals. Just a sentimental slob, I suppose. I really do appreciate the encouragement. On the one hand I'd like to do this, but on the other I would like to see someone with acres more talent take it on and do a bang up job. I'm not being coy, honest. Anyways right now I need to get back to work on the Stretcher Bearer and avoid more distractions. Mull this over a bit.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Frank-Holger]

You will find the right way, Dan, in any case!

All the best for this project,

Frank

 

[AJLaFleche]

Just happened across a horse that would fit this almost perfectly:

 

[Dan Morton]

What scale is that, A.J.? I have a 120mm horse I could use, but it will require a lot of modification. I don't think I would want to do it in less than 75mm.

On other web pages, I'm seeking details of British artillery horse harness, etc. I've got a good diagram of the bit, bridle, head cradle and several illustrations. Roger DeBoeck just sent me quite a good photo showing a fallen mule in artillery harness. That will help a lot, but the more the better.

All the best,
Dan

 

[AJLaFleche]

This is 54mm by B & M Miniatures available from Military Miniatures Warehouse