It's all about the research. . .

My project of Athanasios Diakos underscored my largely basic knowledge of Balkan weaponry in the first half of the 19th c. AFAIC, this was unacceptable--and thus was I thrust back into the historical arena from whence I came. . .

After wringing as much as I could from the Web, it was time to delve into print. Today I received Robert Elgood's The Arms of Greece and her Balkan Neighbours in the Ottoman Period (NY: Thames & Hudson, 2009). 

I will simply refer you to Dr. Elgood's site to learn more about the man and his publications.

Sometimes it's good. . . VERY good. . . to go back. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Athanasios Diakos - Prepwork I

First of all. . . ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος (Happy New Year!)

While the reduction phase of the prep is well underway--and will continue for some time, I began working on the face yesterday evening. 

As I mentioned in the introduction to this thread, the sculpted visage leaves much to be desired. I am basing my assessment on the postmortem portrait executed by Dionysios Tsokos during the last decade of his life (1852-62). There are also at least three busts commemorating Diakos that bear little-to-no resemblance to the miniature before us. 

So what are the issues? The main ones are 1) beady eyes; 2) weak chin; 3) button-y nose; and 4) lank hair. If you elect to correct those shortcomings, the remainder will be corrected via the integrating process. 

I have already addressed the chin and the nose; filled out the cheeks; and enhanced the upper lip (removed the sculpted mustache). The difference is remarkable!

Finally, I have already removed the right forearm at the elbow; removed the kariophili (musket) from the right hand; and removed about half of the left forearm--saving the kilij/pala that will be placed in the right hand with the requisite corrections to the grip (kabza) of the weapon. 

FOLLOW-UP. . . Mustache has been resculpted.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

YS Masterpieces' Athanasios Diakos (HB-006; Bust)

Well, this one is admittedly a bit out of left field. . . check that, the ballpark!  

Or is it? 

I am a sucker for portrait busts, especially if they form a series, and are of a relatively obscure and interesting period/topic. The Greek War of Independence - 1821 - is certainly the latter; and YS Masterpieces has taken it upon themselves to honour their national heroes with the former. Still, in spite of some very attractive subjects, I have been a holdout for any number of reasons-- until now.

Why now, you ask? A friend and work colleague of mine sent me this "web article" on Athana- sios Diakos the other day. In a word. . . AWESOME! Then I vaguely recalled that someone had released a bust of this individual. I immediately checked Chuck's site and YS Miniatures. . . eh voilà!. . . their sixth release in the series: HB-006 - HELLENIC REVOLUTIONARY WARRIOR (ATHANASIOS DIAKOS), sculpted by Carl Reid.

At the risk of inciting the masses, I am not a fan of Carl Reid. As he has helmed this series through the first seven releases, I have been hesitant. Regrettably, this particular offering will not make me a fan. . .

But first, the contents of the box. The piece is designed in 12 pieces, including the pedestal. Casting is VG+++, with but the occasional sub-surface air bubble on the mantle: most will not even recognize the discolorations as bubbles! Fit is likewise VG+++--I imagine that it was seam- less perfection when the molds were new(er)!! In short, this offering gets high marks with regard to production quality and qc. 

Now, the "design" of the piece. The bust is based on the cover illustration of the following Greek popular history journal: 

Personally, I have issues with this. Before I continue, I will freely admit that I do not have the actual journal before me (in spite of all my efforts to track one down!), so I do not know if there is corroborating period artwork or text in the article justifying the presentation (NOTE: I found a copy of the article, and it contains nothing to justify the cover illustration). Having said that, I have never seen a black fustanella from the first half of the 19th c.; and unless Diakos was ambidex- trous, I have a problem with the kilij/pala being wielded left-handed!

I am not exactly a newbie when it comes to Balkan and Ottoman fashion, but I am not familiar with an item of clothing in this part of the world at this time that would serve as a mantle/short cape: the same disclaimer applies, and I welcome any balanced and substantive input in response!

Finally, the right arm is too long, and the likeness leaves much to be desired. Admittedly, I am not particularly well-versed in Greek iconography of the period, but the sculpted visage is sorely wanting.

In spite of the shortcomings, I am quite pleased with my acquisition! The cutting and grinding has already begun, and I am enjoying delving into this period of history!

More to follow!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003