Shane
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2003
- Messages
- 158
There is something I find really interesting about Bronze Age and Iron Age Europe. I guess it’s because I picture it as an idyllic setting very much like a Hudson River School painting–vast expanses of pristine wilderness occasionally dotted with small tribal villages. To a certain degree I even see the peoples of prehistory Europe as sort of the original “noble savagesâ€, an idea that I will hopefully carry through in this current project. This project would not have been possible without the considerable help provided by the brothers Trauner. Those of you who visit MedRom will have likely read postings by Hans or Tom. Both brothers are involved in museum re-creations of various aspects of ancient Celtic life. In conversations with them I’ve amassed a binder full of research material that simply wouldn’t have been available any other way. Thanks, Hans and Tom.
The subject of this project is a Hallstatt region Celt from around 500 BC. Archaeologists often refer to the period as the era of Princedoms due to the wealth of the artifacts and the number of oppida found. This is my interpretation of how one of these Princes likely appeared. One of the more interesting things about this period is the interrelationship of cultures. When you consider that the Greeks and Etruscans were the super powers of the time, it’s easy to see how the Celts might want to copy them, particularly their war technology. Being master metal workers, the Celts produced copies of foreign armor often giving them a uniquely Celtic touch. This sculpture portrays many Mediterranean style elements, the originals of which were found within a Celtic context.
The figure was started in the typical way, a wire mannequin with Magic Sculpt on top. As you see it, the figure is roughly 50% done. The bronze cuirass is close to its final shape but the details are missing. I’ll probably leave them until the end so as to not destroy them when handling the piece. The greaves are mostly done, some shaping and padding still to do. Shoes haven’t been touched yet. When done, they will be quite unique and haven’t been captured in any Celtic figure to date that I know of. The right arm, hand and socket axe are done. The left arm, which holds the shield, isn’t finished and is next on the list. The face is done all that remains are to create the helmet. This will be the highlight of the piece since it will include a Greek style crest. To help keep the piece Celtic in appearance I decided to add a cloak. Cloaks on Celts usually seem like a visual stereotype to me, but in this case I think it helps to bring some indigenous character back to the sculpture. Hans provided me with excellent reference of a period fibula clasp to help add some Celticness. That’s the progress so far.
The subject of this project is a Hallstatt region Celt from around 500 BC. Archaeologists often refer to the period as the era of Princedoms due to the wealth of the artifacts and the number of oppida found. This is my interpretation of how one of these Princes likely appeared. One of the more interesting things about this period is the interrelationship of cultures. When you consider that the Greeks and Etruscans were the super powers of the time, it’s easy to see how the Celts might want to copy them, particularly their war technology. Being master metal workers, the Celts produced copies of foreign armor often giving them a uniquely Celtic touch. This sculpture portrays many Mediterranean style elements, the originals of which were found within a Celtic context.
The figure was started in the typical way, a wire mannequin with Magic Sculpt on top. As you see it, the figure is roughly 50% done. The bronze cuirass is close to its final shape but the details are missing. I’ll probably leave them until the end so as to not destroy them when handling the piece. The greaves are mostly done, some shaping and padding still to do. Shoes haven’t been touched yet. When done, they will be quite unique and haven’t been captured in any Celtic figure to date that I know of. The right arm, hand and socket axe are done. The left arm, which holds the shield, isn’t finished and is next on the list. The face is done all that remains are to create the helmet. This will be the highlight of the piece since it will include a Greek style crest. To help keep the piece Celtic in appearance I decided to add a cloak. Cloaks on Celts usually seem like a visual stereotype to me, but in this case I think it helps to bring some indigenous character back to the sculpture. Hans provided me with excellent reference of a period fibula clasp to help add some Celticness. That’s the progress so far.
