Yortown pieces at Tulsa

[garyjd]

With the amount of documentation available on uniforms I'm surprised to see what appears to be such a lack of it used on these pieces. First off, this not a personal attack, I just fail to see why some folks choose to do little if not any research when doing a figure/vignette. There is a wealth of info on the internet alone that requires nothing but the cost of your time. I guess if you just want to create a piece that has the "mood" of the Revolutionary war that's okay. I look at accurate miniatures as a lesson in history in addition to an artform. To place a Civil War cartridge box at the feet of a Revolutionary war drummer, or to put a full length regimental coat on a light infantryman equals fantasy history and has little value. So c'mon guys crack open a book or two, ask around for information, some guys have enough books to fill entire sections of a library. You'll not only learn a thing or two you may even enjoy it.~Gary

 

[captnenglish]

Gary, I too noticed the ACW cartrige box and was quite surprized considering these are Doug Cohen's pieces. That aside, I think the pieces are brilliant and inspirational.

 

[bonehead]

Hello Gary,

I hear you Gary. I am with you all the way on this one. It seems that some people out there simply are not that interested in historical accuracy. I can understand people who do figures for "Art's Sake", but the fact that these miniatures are intended to depict history is lost on such folks.

It is too bad really. I think that there is a certain responsibility when depicting historical subjects. If done properly, these figures can educate people who are not as knowledgable about the depicted subject matter. However, those who are more careless about historical accuracy serve only to muddle and confuse things for the uninitiated.

I think this sets a bad precedent. Fantasy figures are great and do not require any historical reference. This is great when the subject depicted is clearly a fantasy piece but when the line between history and fantasy gets blurred, history is done an injustice.

Do we, as historical miniaturists really want to do that? I am hoping the answer is no. It certainly is for me.

Just my two cents.

MIke

 

[garyjd]

Mike, I've always wanted to comment on Doug's work but did not want it to come off as a personal attack. I've studied and collected several references relating to 18-19th century American subjects over the years. While I'm not the type of person that can talk at length about a certain type of button or fabric, I can (and am also willing to take the time) find the information I need. So I get a bit flustered when I see a minuteman with mutton-chops and a mustache, or a Civil War cartridge box at the feet of a Revolutionary War figure. I too like you feel a level of responsibility in getting the piece as accurate as possible.~Gary

 

[btavis]

Doug has always taken liberties with accuracy.

 

[John Long]

I think that a person should do the best with what they can find (not done in this case?). I don't think that you should wait until you have the be all-end-all reference folder before you model your subject. I try to gain all the information I can before embarking on a subject. If there are still questions in my mind about a certain piece or article of clothing I may take license to interpret how I think that piece should be. To be blatantly wrong is something I hope to avoid though. I don't want to be the type of modeller that starts nothing because there are too many questions.

I have to disagree somewhat with Mike Good in the lack of need for reference for fantasy subjects unless you're the one that made them up. Try depicting a Star Fleet admiral in the wrong uniform and someone will cry foul . The same could be said for certain Warhammer pieces.

 

[garyjd]

Originally posted by John Long@Jul 17 2006, 06:45 PM
I have to disagree somewhat with Mike Good in the lack of need for reference for fantasy subjects unless you're the one that made them up. Try depicting a Star Fleet admiral in the wrong uniform and someone will cry foul . The same could be said for certain Warhammer pieces.

John, You're not kidding. I toyed with War Hammer and if you look at the different manuals there are unit names, colors, and insignias, so I guess someone would be quick to correct you if you depict a space Marine not wearing the proper uniform for the unit he is supose to represent. You crack me up.~Gary