REN011
First Legion
During the 14th-17th Centuries there was resurgence in art, science, exploration, and literature. Following the fall of Rome and the Dark Ages, there was a Renaissance. The great European powers struggled for control of the continent as their militaries warred with each other. The use of gunpowder and cannon was now a regular part of warfare, alongside heavy cavalry and foot soldiers. It is referred to as the "Age of Pike and Shot" by enthusiasts as the pike and musket were the most common armaments in Renaissance armies.
First Legion will add high quality hand painted military miniatures to the Renaissance range, covering more of the fascinating history therein. 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 ensured Habsburg rule of the Italian States for the following two centuries. REN001-REN030 depict the German mercenaries, called Landsknechts, that fought for both sides. Pike square formations were also famously used by Swiss soldiers, and these figures could stand in for them as well. Landsknechts and Swiss pikemen clashed throughout the Italian Wars.
This mercenary figure holds his pike at “charge” though at waist height instead of at the shoulder. He could be part of an engaged formation, as perfect form often dissolved in the tumult of combat.