Sigh -- A Dreary Easter Monday. . .

The Grand Duches and I watched an interesting movie last night. So, if you enjoy 18th Century period pieces, rent The Affair of the Necklace (2001) with Hilary Swank and Adrian Brody among others.

Set in France of the 1780s, the film has its basis in historical events, which, we are told, contributed to the French Revolution of 1789 in no small way. Well, I suppose that sort of statement can always be disputed, but 18th century buffs will enjoy the movie for at least two additional reasons. There are lots of interesting, very nicely done examples of daily dress, at least among the upper classes and royalty. And there are even a few sequences featuring French infantry and cavalry of the period.

Historical accuracy notwithstanding, you might like this movie too. It's an enjoyable way to kill two hours when you just don't feel like visiting the painting table. Significantly, though, your mind and imagination nevertheless remain in period, which is a good thing.

Comments

littlejohn said…

Yes sometimes only a little visual immersion in a period get the fires going again. The battle scene in "Barry Lyndon" can drive me back to the painting table (18th c that is..) in short order... ;)

--best
Dave

7:35 PM

CWT said…

I always liked Amadeus - not military in any way, but very big on (late-ish) period feel - if you can get past the American accents in downtown Vienna

12:37 AM

tradgardmastare said…

I love "Barry Lyndon" the candlelight scenes and, of course, the battles...
We watched "The Duchess" last weekend and were rather disappointed .What did you think?
Alan

1:15 AM

Bluebear Jeff said…

Stokes,

How did the Indras' gig go?

-- Jeff

PS, you have my wife's email so you don't have to wait until my computer is back online to start the game . . . unless you can get some reinforcements painted in time to add to the Stollen troops.

4:03 AM

Giles said…

Sounds interesting - I hadn't heard of this one. I watched "The Duchess" on the flight back from NZ last month, and was less than impressed - there siomply isn't much of a plot, or in fact a story...

Giles

4:15 AM

Here's an RSM Painting Update

Here's a picture illustrating my (S-L-O-W) progress with the second company of Stollen's Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers. You can see I'm doing things a bit differently this time, altering the painting process to keep it interesting basically. This evening, I'll do the white gaiters and, if that goes reasonably quickly, and time allows, the red breeches. Still lots to do, but I like the way these fine fellows are shaping up along side the completed 1st company that's standing in formation just off camera, to the left here. Until tonight then!

Presenting the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere!!!

Here they are, with the rearmost nine figures still drying, three squadrons of the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere, now in the service of the Grand Duchy of Stollen. And now, it's onto that artillery!

Having a "No Day". . .

F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day." A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day. I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers. These have stood waiting untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday...

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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