A pair of Middle Imperial Romans

[Mad Doc Morris]

Kind of a follow up to last year's centurion series I've painted and reviewed two models for the Middle Imperial Romans.
First is one of Aventine's recently released 160 to 190 AD legionaries:



Closely followed by a comrade of A&A Miniatures from the slightly later period of about 200 to 280 AD:



See the full review and story on my blog. Of course, questions, comments & critique are welcome here as well. Thanks for watching anyway. 

[Phil Robinson]

You have made an excellent job of those. Really gritty looking individuals, just as you would imagine them to be.

[Captain Blood]

Fabulous paintwork on both of those Doc 
There's something not quite right about the anatomy on the first one though
I like the second figure much better.
But as i say, wonderful, atmospheric painting. And the shields are superb.

[jamesmanto]

Yes, the arm is quite out of proportion and odd on the first figure, unless it's some trick of foreshortening in the photography.

But the painting is absolutely superb.

[Faust23]

Those are crazy good.  LOVE the first one.   

[Relic]

 

Cracking paintjob! Very inspiring. I am just about to get 15mm romans and this motivated me even more to paint them (though... not that high standard )

[Plynkes]

Lovely mucky look to them.

[Axtklinge]

Splendid paint job, congrats !
And I second what you say in your blog, those are indeed some of the best minis I've seen of that period.

Cheers,
A.

[OSHIROmodels]

Cracking paint work 

There's something not quite right about the anatomy on the first one though
I like the second figure much better.

I'll agree, is it the pilum arm that's not quite right?

cheers

James

[Steve F]

I'll agree, is it the pilum arm that's not quite right?
James

Yes, I think it is too long, and attached to the body below where the shoulder should be.  A shame that the figure doesn't live up to the lovely paintwork.

[Engel]

Gorgeous paintjob you got there, too bad about that arm.

[Mad Doc Morris]

Many, many thanks for your comments!

Regarding the arm pose: It's maybe a combination of distressing factors that makes it look awkward. First, it's the photos angle which distorts the proportions a bit. Second, the model's neck is too long (a problem already conceded by Aventine-Keith). This adds to the impression that the joint of arm and shoulder is wrong. Third, this particular figure has an exaggerated paw, the more when you compare it to its slim arms.
You may also rest assured that miniatures from the same range but other packs look better. I used this pose here, because it was the only one matching my A&A figures. A bit unfortunate since other than that it's a very fine range of the highest quality. And, not the least, being something different it deserves support.

[aecurtis]

I wish figure sculptors would look more carefully at actual humans in throwing poses.  This would help prevent obvious lapses in anatomical correctness.  See for example this Texas re-enactment group's photo:



Clearly her neck is too long, her hands are very awkwardly modeled, and she has odd protuberances on her chest that would be very difficult to find in contemporary representations of Roman legionaries.

I think Adam has done a great job on both ranges, but I really like the new Aventine sculpts.

Allen

[Blackwolf]

Cracking paint Doc,fantastic

[aggro84]

Very nice paint jobs.
The weathering looks great but you also have some very nice details on them.