Hessian Colonel's uniform 1776

[captnenglish]

I am working on a portarit of Hessian Col. Johann Von Rall, the Hessian commander at Trenton and need some assistance with some uniform details. According to Troiani and a period print supplied to me by Gary D. I have the basics, but I need to know what color his sash and hat lace would have been. The button/lace color was gold, so would his sash and hat lace have been the same? Next question, would he have worn a shoulder knot (sorry I can't remeber the exact name for it.)?

Lastly, I could use tips on painting his powdered wig in acrylics.

Thanks

 

[garyjd]

Matt, Just saw your posting and realized I had not checked into your inquiry, sorry. I believe the sash would be either all silver or silver and black threads. The hat lace would be gold and the buttons brass. As for a shoulder knot, I think you're safe leaving it out. Make sure you do not forget to give him a gorget though.~Gary

 

[captnenglish]

Thanks Gary. A gorget will be easier than a shoulder knot. I am depicting Rall being dressed by his valet the morning of the attack (he wasa bit of a martinet), so I will most likely leave the gorget next to his hat and cane, which will be leaning against a table or chair.

 

[garyjd]

Matt, That sounds like a neat piece. During the 18th century it was also common for gentlemen to wear dressing gowns. Maybe you could show one drapped over a chair. I do like the description of the piece.~Gary


Pictured is Nicholas Boylston painted by John Singleton Copley in 1767. Boylston wears such a dressing gown and cap.

 

[Wlas]

For further info it might be worth a shot contacting The Old Barracks museum in Trenton ( 609-396-1776 ).

 

[captnenglish]

Originally posted by garyjd@Jan 20 2006, 01:22 PM
Matt, That sounds like a neat piece. During the 18th century it was also common for gentlemen to wear dressing gowns. Maybe you could show one drapped over a chair. I do like the description of the piece.~Gary


Pictured is Nicholas Boylston painted by John Singleton Copley in 1767. Boylston wears such a dressing gown and cap.

Gary, I just saw this post, my automatic notification must not be working. Thanks for the idea, that might be just what I need to make the piece work. I knew it was missing something.

 

[captnenglish]

Originally posted by Majnun@Jan 21 2006, 07:57 PM
For further info it might be worth a shot contacting The Old Barracks museum in Trenton ( 609-396-1776 ).

John I hadn't thought of that thanks for the idea. Do you have an e-mail address?

 

[garyjd]

Matt, Also, remember in the movie "The crossing" where it showed Rall getting his uniform on? He put his wig on a "bald" head. it was also common for men to have closely cropped hair or have their head totally shaved. Now I'm not sure if Rall belonged to "Ye olde hair club for men", just a bit of gee wiz info.~Gary

 

[captnenglish]

Gary, both figures I am using already have their wigs on. I wasn' t sure if showing Rall getting dressed would mean anything with regard to portraying him, but unlike his troops (commonly held myth) he was most likely hung over (from what I've read) that fateful December morning and did don his uniform before joining his men. Like I said the night clothes are just what I am looknig for to help convey the urgency of the moment, now I just have to hope I can find something out there to use a his dressing gown in 54mm in time for SCAHMS, since I can't sculpt worth a sh!@