Sumerian age - the first battle

[Iceman1964]

The first battle historically described in its details is the Kadesh battle between Egyptians and Hittites, in 1274 B.C. , even if we know only the Ramses propaganda, not the Hittites side…
But much before another battle has been recorded in the stone, about 2450 B.C. : the Stele of Vultures describes the victory of the Sumerian city of Lagash over the nearby city of Umma (same Sumerian culture) following border disputes: the two cities were just 25 km one from the other.
The Lagash phalanx destroyed the Umma’s army, and the Stele shows vultures banqueting with Umma’s victims.
The diorama imagines the early phase of the battle, with Umma’s chariots and skirmisher harassing the Lagash phalanx.
Figures are Hat (infantry and chariot), plus a skirmisher converted from a Waterloo 1815 dervish warrior.
I spent about 120 hours for the overall work.
I hope you like it.

[Michael Robert]

Hello Iceman
That’s 120 hours well spent
The whole set-up is well balanced in colours, body painting, distribution of figures. A total success
Greetings Michael

[Kekso]

120 hours? That's impressive

[Konrad]

Very nice work!

[Peter]

Excellent work! Also seen some great details on that diorama, like the wheeltracks.

[huib]

A lovely scene. Well done!

[Santi Pérez]

You have achieved an amazing diorama, Iceman1964. I love both the wonderfully painted figures and the realistic terrain.

Have you really dedicated 120 hours to it? They seem few to me once seen the result.

Santi.

[C M Dodson]

Very evocative stuff with a real ‘feel’ of the time.

You have managed to paint the eyes which is a real mark of an expert in my opinion.

Most eye attempts make the figures look comic and undermine the otherwise high standard of the uniform work.

Best wishes,

Chris

[MABO]

I second my other fellows here in the forum. And for me the unusual topic is interesting. I can not rememer seeing another Sumerian dio or vignette before. I was really curious to see the final result when following your wip.

[Iceman1964]

Thank you all for the nice words, I'm happy you liked it !
For the 120 hours, I spent about 2 hours for each soldier (there are no complicated uniforms, no Napoleonic details), but I spent much more time for the chariot, donkeys and related reins, quite painful.
About the eyes, I agree with CM Dodson, it's hard to make them realistic.
I start with the white, add the black central (quite often the poor soldier exit with crossed eyes, so I have to repeat the process) then i line above and below the skin colour, to avoid the effect " wide open eyes".
Stay tuned for the next diorama
ciao
Enrico

[linear-A]

Ciao Enrico,
this is wonderful work - a masterpiece.
next year you will have a larger selection of figure sets, as we are planning several sets for this era in 2022
Cheers
linear-A

[Bill Slavin]

Time well spent! I would echo the other comments here - I would never attempt eyes, but your results are very good. And the overall theme and execution of the figures and terrain is terrific.

[CliosPaintingBench]

This is a beautiful, beautiful diorama! Also a personal favourite era. I love the painting and composition!

[Bluefalchion]

Wonderful work. Great thought put into each and every detail.

My best compliments. The reason I do not do eyes is that when I see another person who is far enough away to appear as only one inch tall, I cannot see their eyes in any detail.

My favorite part of the figures is your achievement with the flesh tones.

[dykio]

Hi Enrico,

almost missed this one. And that would have been a shame because its one of my favorite armies. And these are realy painted brilliant. Even the eyes look perfect

laterrrrrrr

Dykio

[Minuteman]

Great stuff! A little too 'early' for my tastes, but great painting, modelling and basing. Well done!

[Iceman1964]

Thanks you all for the feedback
And thanks to linear A, I have just ordered five of your boxes. I hope to receive them in next days...... and with the foreseen titles I think they will not be last ones I buy

But I'm not focused only on very early ages.... next diorama will be on much nearer period... stay tuned

[Ben90]

Splendid work there! The coloration of the horses is a nice realistic detail!

[Xantippos]

Very nice and great diorama, I love that shield wall.