Templar color scheme

[Bailey]

I've seen Templar figures painted where their surcoat is white but their cape is black. Is this historically correct or artist license? Should both be white or can the cape also be black? Does this color scheme relate to a certain time period?

Thanks!

David

 

[polyphemus]

This would most certainly appear to be artistic licence. The Rules of the Order are very specific that a knight's mantle would be white, as would his surcoat. Black was the colour assigned to sergeants of the Order. So if the figure was painted as a knight, both cloak and surcoat should be white; for a sergeant, both should be black. There is some evidence that brown was also sometimes worn by lower ranking soldiers of the Order.

Good reference can be found in J. M. Upton-Ward's "The Rule of the Templars"; a study of the actual Rules of the Order as laid down in the 12th century.

Hope that helps!

Geoff

 

[Paul Kernan]

Geoff
Perfect timing. I started cleaning up the old Pegaso Crusader (75mm) and I was hoping to stay away from the usual white, black or red surcoat. I was planning on depicting him with a faded, worn brown surcoat.
Recognising my general lack of knowledge of the various orders and their dress codes for the various ranks. My question...... would it still be historically accurate to go with the brown surcoat and crusader cross AND to maintain some visual interest, the white over black with a red cross on his shield (hospitaller, I believe!). If he was a lower ranking soldier, would he be allowed to display more 'sophisticated' colours such as this on his shield?

Cheers
Paul

 

[polyphemus]

The white over black with a red cross is the Templar's shield pattern. I would suggest that this would be OK with the brown surcoat suggesting perhaps a sergeant of the Templar Order.

Geoff

 

[Paul Kernan]

Thanks Geoff. Much appreciated

 

[Bailey]

Thanks, Geoff. I had a feeling that was the case. Your information will be a great help on my current project. Thanks again.