Templar 1250 AD, DEFEAT...

[Ethan]

"In November, 1249, Louis marched towards Cairo, and almost at the same time, the Ayyubid sultan of Egypt, as-Salih Ayyub, died. A force led by Robert of Artois and the Templars attacked the Egyptian camp at al-Mansourah, but they were defeated and Robert was killed, during the seventh crusade. Meanwhile, Louis' main force was attacked by the Mameluk Baibars, the commander of the army and a future sultan himself. Louis was defeated as well, but he did not withdraw to Damietta for months, preferring to besiege Mansourah, which ended in starvation and death for the crusaders." (crusades-history.com)

My depiction from this disasterous defeat focuses on the aftermath and retreat of the french forces from Al-Mansourah. The King has just been taken captive and the forces march back towards home. This lone knight stands on top of a rock crage, looking one last time at the closed gateway to the Holy Land; a gate in ruin but locked too tight to break.

 

[gordy]

Great work Ethan, thanks for sharing, your painting is improving!

 

[Tecumsea]

Well done Ethen, like the way you have incorporated the base.

Keith

 

[megroot]

Very nice paintwork.

Marc

 

[Marcel]

Well done Ethan!

Cheers,
Marcel.

 

[Ethan]

Im sorry it's taken so long to thank all of you! Thanks so much for the comments. I need to add some more pics. I put some sand and a bit of foliage on the base to add a bit more realism.

 

[pipetrepid]

ethan, nice job!