Soldiers 90 mm: 'The Thracian', Roman gladiator

[rossbach]

Hello all,

The gladiator virus got me. Plenty available in all three scales. However I feel attracted to the 90 mm versions currently available. In my GA I have the two White Models gladiators (Mirmillo and Oplomaco) by Borin. Although these are larger then 90 mm.

Then I have Pegaso's Thraex by Gianni La Rocca. Finally on my workbench (next project after finishing Alexandros's 54 mm Sarissaphoroi) assembly just finisished) is Romeo's Provocator also by La Rocca.

Soldiers also have a 90 mm Thracian gladiator by 'Saint Laruccia' D). Is there someone who's seen, smelled and felt this beauty? The decoration on the greaves and helmet look outstanding. But I need a little push to draw my wallet.

Reflections welcome!

Paul




Ps: I don't know if anyone noticed (or is interested at all) my preference for using 17th century personalities as an avatar. I think that certainly the Grandees of that era looked very smart. It's a pity that this period tends to be somewhat overlooked by manufacturers. Having said that: it's understandable isn't it? It is not a really popular period so that would probably influence sales.

 

[Ferris]

Hi Paul,

I have eyed this one before as well, but decided against it even without having seen it in the flesh. Somehow I find it very static and perhaps it is the box art picture, but I feel the proportions of the head are off. Don't think it's Laruccia's best, but sometimes you see brilliant sculptors struggle with bigger scales. Or it is one of his earlier sculpts, not sure.
Anyway, I have never seen it 'live' so I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

Cheers
Adrian

 

[rossbach]

Hi Adrian,

You do have a point as far as the head is concerned. The static posture is obvious too but that can often be observed in Laruccia's sculpts. Borin had that too. At some level I assume it has to do with the fact that Laruccia takes his inpiration from statues, effigies etc. . This is very noticable for example in Laruccia's 9o mm Edward Plantagenet which looks like a copy of his effigy in the Trinity Chapel of Canterbury Cathedral. This doesn't bother me that much as the sculpt itself is first class.

However the very dynamic La Rocca gladiators show that the opposite is possible.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Babelfish]

+1 to what Adrian said.

Not one of Laruccia's better sculpts IMHO. The grieves look oversized to me as well, and the shield way too small, although I don't claim to be any sort of expert.

I think the worst Gladiator I've ever seen in any scale though has to be this guy (White Models 90mm Retiarius). Pretty much everything looks off here, starting with the basic pose. And surprise surprise, aside from this box art I've never seen one painted up!

- Steve

 

[rossbach]

Hi Steve,

Odd isn't it? Borin (assuming the retiarius is from his hands) also did an Oplomaco and a Mirmillo for his White Models range. They are very good. Although larger then the 90 mm stated on the box.

But yes: sharing Adrian's and your reservation about the Thraex from Soldiers too.

Paul