07-06-2003, 02:06 PM
Graham has asked me to post what are his words not mine<br>
Derek<br>
<br>
Dear Robert<br>
<br>
Thanks for your comments. No I did not miss your point that I had shown a bias towards the third century, with five to three Plates in favour of the earlier period I cannot dispute it! I am also glad that I did not make that error over Constantius in the book!<br>
<br>
Nevertheless I stand by the figures chosen in the earlier Plates. They were not painted simply so they would be popular but because I personally thought they were of interest and which would be of interest to others. As I have said before I believe the early to mid third century has been seriously under-represented in the past. Hopefully this will change with the publication of Simon James’ new book on Dura Europos.<br>
<br>
Perhaps the Plate, that should have been radically different, was Plate E, although this would have missed the opportunity to show the Vegetian marine. Again with hindsight a reconstruction of the three figures on page 22 might have been a better choice.<br>
<br>
You ask why I chose to depict some figures who wore cloaks which obscured other costume details. As I said previously some of the poses were based directly on the ancient sources. If you look at the supporting evidence you can see that what I have shown in my reconstructions is actually what is visible in the original. Also wherever possible I have elected to depict archaeological finds which where also appropriate for the right time and place over interpretations of the source material for such things as belt decorations, swords and scabbards. In that respect the cloak can be a useful but accurate device for sometimes intentionally hiding what I was unsure of.<br>
<br>
Deciding on suitable and varied poses can be something of a challenge. As you can appreciate the cloak worn as it was, especially in the fourth century does obscure a lot. If the figure is holding a shield, carrying a spear or wearing armour the problem becomes even worse. The figures have to look and act in a natural way and be believable as well as fitting into the page format. My apologies if sometimes I do not get it right. However I think I deserve some credit for illustrating a different type of brooch on every cloaked figure.<br>
<br>
Most of the characters are based as near as possible on the original portraits or are amended to look like them. Some re-enactors, if I feel look the part inevitably creep in. One such person is Derek Forrest who kindly modelled for the tired old veteran. Although I am seriously worried about him if he feels that reading my book is better than sex! Perhaps one of the most famous,or should that be infamous, re-enactors appears as the Centurion of the XXth Legion, which is a clue to his identity if you had not guessed already.<br>
<br>
With regards to the effectiveness of the use of shields in hunting which you mention in another thread, have you seen the mosaic from Hippo Regius, Bone, Algeria? In this representation a semi circle of shields in conjunction with nets and firebrands are used to trap lions and leopards.<br>
<br>
Thanks again for your comments. At the moment I am struggling with a further set of figures but I hope that many of your criticisms will be ‘re-dressed’ in any future volumes. If you have anything further to add please post your comments here or contact me directly as I would be happy to hear from you.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Derek<br>
<br>
Dear Robert<br>
<br>
Thanks for your comments. No I did not miss your point that I had shown a bias towards the third century, with five to three Plates in favour of the earlier period I cannot dispute it! I am also glad that I did not make that error over Constantius in the book!<br>
<br>
Nevertheless I stand by the figures chosen in the earlier Plates. They were not painted simply so they would be popular but because I personally thought they were of interest and which would be of interest to others. As I have said before I believe the early to mid third century has been seriously under-represented in the past. Hopefully this will change with the publication of Simon James’ new book on Dura Europos.<br>
<br>
Perhaps the Plate, that should have been radically different, was Plate E, although this would have missed the opportunity to show the Vegetian marine. Again with hindsight a reconstruction of the three figures on page 22 might have been a better choice.<br>
<br>
You ask why I chose to depict some figures who wore cloaks which obscured other costume details. As I said previously some of the poses were based directly on the ancient sources. If you look at the supporting evidence you can see that what I have shown in my reconstructions is actually what is visible in the original. Also wherever possible I have elected to depict archaeological finds which where also appropriate for the right time and place over interpretations of the source material for such things as belt decorations, swords and scabbards. In that respect the cloak can be a useful but accurate device for sometimes intentionally hiding what I was unsure of.<br>
<br>
Deciding on suitable and varied poses can be something of a challenge. As you can appreciate the cloak worn as it was, especially in the fourth century does obscure a lot. If the figure is holding a shield, carrying a spear or wearing armour the problem becomes even worse. The figures have to look and act in a natural way and be believable as well as fitting into the page format. My apologies if sometimes I do not get it right. However I think I deserve some credit for illustrating a different type of brooch on every cloaked figure.<br>
<br>
Most of the characters are based as near as possible on the original portraits or are amended to look like them. Some re-enactors, if I feel look the part inevitably creep in. One such person is Derek Forrest who kindly modelled for the tired old veteran. Although I am seriously worried about him if he feels that reading my book is better than sex! Perhaps one of the most famous,or should that be infamous, re-enactors appears as the Centurion of the XXth Legion, which is a clue to his identity if you had not guessed already.<br>
<br>
With regards to the effectiveness of the use of shields in hunting which you mention in another thread, have you seen the mosaic from Hippo Regius, Bone, Algeria? In this representation a semi circle of shields in conjunction with nets and firebrands are used to trap lions and leopards.<br>
<br>
Thanks again for your comments. At the moment I am struggling with a further set of figures but I hope that many of your criticisms will be ‘re-dressed’ in any future volumes. If you have anything further to add please post your comments here or contact me directly as I would be happy to hear from you.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Quod imperatum fuerit facimus et ad omnem tesseram parati erimus
