REN014
First Legion
The 14th-17th Centuries are known as the Renaissance as art, science, exploration, and literature made a great resurgence. Following the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome, humanity returned to a more civilized state. Not all was civilized however, as the great continental powers of Europe bloodily vied for control of the continent; their militaries warred with each other. Gunpowder and cannon became more reliable, and less apt to explode unexpectedly. Heavy cavalry and foot soldiers alike, the pike and musket were the most common armaments in Renaissance armies. It is often referred to as the "Age of Pike and Shot" for this reason.
First Legion will cover the history in the Renaissance, adding high quality hand painted military miniatures to the range. The REN figure range begins with the Battle of Pavia in 1525. It was the decisive conflict of the Italian Wars between France and the Spanish Empire, and it solidified Habsburg rulership of the Italian States for two hundred years. REN001-REN030 depicts the flamboyant German mercenaries, called Landsknechts, who fought for both sides. Pikemen formations were also famously used by the Swiss, and these figures could stand in for them as well. Landsknecht and Swiss squares clashed throughout the Italian Wars.
This mercenary officer figure is resplendent in his armor, on the back of his barded mount.