One pleasant by-product of starting a blog has been the interaction with people from around the world who share the same enthusiasms. Amongst those contacts, I value my recent acquaintance with John Bertolini: wargamer, talented part-time sculptor and full-time gentleman.
Recently John and I fell to discussing what we'd like to see new in the world of semi-round toy soldiers. I said it would be great to have some enemies to oppose Holger Eriksson's host of GNW Swedes, the Karoliners. No question the Karoliner series is great, the uniquely styled creations of a master. Problem is, they make fine Swedes but if you intend them for use as soldiers of other armies, it's inevitably going to involve some compromises.
John reckoned that he had the same desire to see some 1700 era troops attired in full coats without turnbacks, suitable for just about any other army. And, he has the sculpting chops to do something about it. Now less than three weeks from the discussion, I have received his prototype figure, kindly offered to me for a test paint.
Naturally, I've painted him a Russian. I like the look of this soldier, with a vigorous and pleasing march-attack pose. No doubt John has improvements in mind for any subsequent figures, but I think he's gotten the essentials down, right out of the gate.
John hit the sweet spot for the semi-roundness, his figure below sandwiched by an original HE grenadier left and more fully rounded musketeer of the later Prince August 900 series right.
That is nicely done, which is what one has come to expect from John, including that slight Germanic toy soldier air. I've occasionally though of trying my hand at a semi-round master, either Jannisaries or Jacobites but haven't quite got my head around it enough to try.
ReplyDeleteIf my geographic reckoning isn't too far out, I think John might be roughly 1/2 way in between us. We'll have to meet up in the middle some day.
-Ross
I agree, Ross. Now that you mention it, there is air of German toy soldier style about him.
ReplyDeleteRoad trip to Canada, sounds like a good idea ! No doubt my wife would enjoy such a trip too, providing it's not during the winter. ;-)
Regards,
Steve
It has certainly captured the character of the era, I'm sure Eriksson would have approved!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brian. I'm sure the sculptor will appreciate the feedback.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Steve
Very nice. Certainly captures the spirit of the PA armies. Does he have plans for these guys, or is it just a personal project?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Steve.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, I think we'd have to consider it more along the lines of a personal project. I won't presume to act as a spokesman for John, but perhaps it's one of those situations where the prospect of turning a hobby you do to please yourself into a job can suck the fun out of it.
Regards,
Steve