New Pegaso Bust - Spanish Admiral 17c

Probably those who got a glimpse raved like me as soon as you noticed this bust, and with an artbox by our friend Ernesto it surely hit the mark.

So surely you gonna jump on me as usual is it good for a Knight of St John during the Siege or Lepanto. So now I start the nitpicking and these pictures just came incoincidence as today I spent 3 hrs at the Palace Armoury scrutinizing all detail. So getting closer into the images I have to say I am not that happy with all the details.

These last months I am assisting a friend of mine who is doing an MA thesis on the etchings of the Knights armoury, and with his research which is spanning from Leeds arloury to Malta I have really learned so much. Going back this figure I am sorry to say that though it is so in detail it is nothing in comparison to what I have seen in our Armoury.

Unfortunetly the detail and all the embelishments were etched into Armour not embossed. The designs were personally chosen from an artist book and the a process of etching on metal was 'burnt' on, similar as if someone is going to a tattoo shop. But then how the hell can this effect be so reflected on a bust ...
Ivan

So is it the "etching" only that you find fault with?????

As you said how are you going to "draw/paint" on the metal as if it was "tattoeed" without having to add highlights and lowlights to give that "etching" a sort of "definition"

Ray

How about trying to do that with a minidrill and an engraving bit. You have to draw the design you need and then use the engraver carefully.

The process of engraving in the 16/17c beleive or not was very 'simply' made. The owner of the armour would go to special artisan shops, and choose a motif or encourage them to do a tailor made design of his own [very similar as if doing a tattoo eh]. Infact many motifs, though looking baroque have a lot of influence from the fashion of the day and also romanesque classical style. In our armoury you find lots of allegoric leaf patterns, saints and romanesque soldiers, apart the usual monstrous gorgoyle heads and mythical animals. In a simple way the artist would 'carbon' copy the motif on the metal and with chemicals would start the etching process. Similar of how PE is done ... so the designs look like engraved in. The rich would also incorporate gilding etc.

By the way those who have not been to the Palace Armoury lately I encourage to pay a visit, the displays have been set up in a cronological way, and some new items have emerged especially in the guns, swords section ...

On another note there are embossed helmets and armour similar to what we see, but were more for fashion and ceremonial attire. Cannot say that what we see is bad, probably it exist but for what we have in our Armoury I think it's not ideal. Personally the best way to portray these patterns are by paint, I remember the Russians doing something of this sort and teh result was much more realistic. Another thing I find strange is the knot of the sash, strange to be on the shoulder? The sash was a defenition to show that this guy was appointed as a commander, officer.

I look forward to see this bust in the flesh and hope in Catania we have the oportunity. Probably would eb on my wish list as well the ideal Christmas present to myself :

Ivan

bcauchi wrote:How about trying to do that with a minidrill and an engraving bit. You have to draw the design you need and then use the engraver carefully.

Brian in that scale nothing will suffice except paint, as the brush works wonders. I've known a couple of people who tried to emulate a design by various methods, but as I said only paint will do the job properly especially in that scale.
Tha job you're suggesting suits an engraver :by trade: IMHO

This morn I'm posting from work as I sneaked in behind the barrier LOL so my post tally would rise a bit I presume

Congrats on your medal BTW.....miexi naqa naqa qed nghid

Ray