Hi All!
First, before I start, I wish to apologize in advance for having all the images at the bottom of the page. You see, I'm holding fast, refusing to pay Photobucket's ransom demands, so please bear with me until something better is found.
Below are two command stands that I completed a few months back. They are my renditions of the opposing commanders at the Battle of Pavia (1525), Francis I of France and Fernando d'Avalos of Spain.
Francis is seen here with his helmet under his arm, discussing the proposed dispositions of the French siege with one of his advisers, Montmorency, Marshal of France. The two men have recently arrived in front of the city and have placed a map of Pavia on a makeshift table made from a wagon wheel set on a tree stump. A pair of Francis' hunting dogs, Alaunts (a breed now sadly extinct), are at his side. His banner-bearer, bored out of his mind, stands at the rear, holding the Royal Standard. Francis' attendants have brought out a stool with a refreshment of wine in pewter goblets.
The figures of Francis, Montmorency and his standard bearer are from the very talented Oliver James over at Steel Fist Miniatures. These were part of a Kickstarter which I participated in a year or so ago.
The two Alaunts were sculpted by Steve May as a private commission for Simon over at je Lay Emprins, who kindly provided me with a couple sets (Thanks Simon!).
The tree stump, wagon wheel, stool, wine bottle and goblets I printed off on my 3D printer (I LOVE that thing).
Francis' brave banner is from Pete's Flags.
Next, we have a fierce Spaniard, Fernando d'Avalos, the victorious Imperial commander who defeated the French and whose forces captured Francis I at the Battle of Pavia.
The mounted figure is from Warlord Games, and while the casting itself is listed as being from their 'Wars of Religion' range, I thought he serves quite nicely as a early 16th century Spanish commander (I quite like his elegant soft cap, with its jaunty feather).
The dismounted knight at D'Avalos' side is from Steel Fist Miniatures. He is in full harness (probably shedding more than a few pounds, trying to keep up), wearing the distinctive conical 'kettle' helm often favoured by Spanish noblemen of the age.
The standard bearer is a venerable Wargames Foundy casting, holding a banner from Pete's Flags.
...and we have the same two Alaunts, who apparently will switch switch sides to whomever has the best treats (very fitting for the age, I think).
Thanks for dropping in folks and have a great week!
Curt