WIP Critique The loss of the Wigfall Flag, Antietam 1862

[Tarracus]

Hi to all!
I'm starting a new project (more or less) inspired on Troiani's art, showing a confederate color bearer during the battle of Antietam:



This Lone Star Battle Flag of the First Texas Infantry was known as the "Wigfall Flag." The 5 x 8 foot silk flag was made by Mrs. Louis T. Wigfall, and presented to the regiment in 1861. The battle honors were added in the summer of 1862. The Wigfall flag, along with 9 flag bearers, was lost in what was arguably the most vicious fighting of the war at Sharpsburg, Maryland on September 17, 1862.



For doing this I've choosen the well known "Old Abe" bust as a point of starting point. With the valuable advices provided by or fellow Gary Dombrowski (many thanks again Gary) started with some easy conversions. In fact, the most part of the work (Both sculpting ang painting) will go to the flag. Some pics on an early stage:

 

[Tarracus]

I've reworked sleeves cuffs removed buttons, filled the trim marks of the coat, removed the US of the belt plate (a lone star must be placed there instead)

Also replaced his hat for a forage cap, to look closer like Troinani's paintings

 

[DEL]

Looking forward to seeing this develop. Great progress so far Gerard.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

I like this conversion alot Gerard, and your off to a great start. It will make for a very colorful piece. Best of luck with its completion. Will follow this one. Regards, SG

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

This is going to be nice ,look forward to the updates .

Ron

Watchout for the Troiani Police Gerard

 

[Tarracus]

This is going to be nice ,look forward to the updates .

Ron

Watchout for the Troiani Police Gerard

Thanks Ron, I'm more afraid of Carl Reid's police, Don't know what he would think about transvestiting his sculpts

 

[MalcC]

Liking what I see so far. I'll be following this for sure.

Malc

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Thanks Ron, I'm more afraid of Carl Reid's police, Don't know what he would think about transvestiting his sculpts

Carl is more than happy to see his stuff reworked ,but don't mention troianni to him

 

[cadno]

hi gerard some conversion this ,looking promising so far ,but the flags in the artwok look much bigger and the staff could be a little thicker perhaps,are they both troianis work depicting the same battle ? anyway this will be a spectacular piece once finished look forward to more regards, cadno

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Thanks for the backgrounder. This looks cool and I can't wait to see paint on it.

Colin

 

[DEL]

Thanks Ron, I'm more afraid of Carl Reid's police, Don't know what he would think about transvestiting his sculpts

Not a problem.....Carl's no stranger to women's clothing.......

 

[Tarracus]

Not a problem.....Carl's no stranger to women's clothing.......

Don't hijack this thread Del, don't want to end up talking about sheep here (although on the other hand Xmas is time to share love..)

 

[Tarracus]

hi gerard some conversion this ,looking promising so far ,but the flags in the artwok look much bigger and the staff could be a little thicker perhaps,are they both troianis work depicting the same battle ? anyway this will be a spectacular piece once finished look forward to more regards, cadno

Hi cadno, this flag was suposed to measure 5 x 8 foot, and the typical regimental was around 6 X 6...Seems quite well sized on the painting then, Anyway I've resized it down a little but preserving its proportions. And about the pole I'll replace it for a longer and thicker one

 

[Mark S]

Great looking project, Gerard.

 

[cadno]

gerard no probs youve got enough on youre plate with the fringing ,which buy the way is spot on ,go with youre feelings mate it ,s your creation and a good one ,blanket roll would look good though , i know carl will appreciate this ,you have personalised this conversion and it will be a little gem ,hope to see it finished soon ,shaft sounds familiar, i wish.....
regards tony

 

[clrsgt]

Great idea. I wish I had thought of it first.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Gerard, After you mentioned changing the belt buckle to show the lone star, it reminded that the top of the cap, that your rendering, also had a star on top of it. In addition to the star, it also had a number 1, and the word Texas, in raised lettering. The canteen also had a star, number, and Texas painted on it. Here is a great painting by Kenneth Ferguson, showing the detail I've mentioned:

Thought this might give you an additional reference for details, if you haven't seen them already. Regards, SG

 

[Christos]

Looking forward to see some more soon, good work so far!!

 

[megroot]

Like this one.
Gonna follow it.

Marc

 

[Grod]

Great project.
Gordon