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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Assyrian Tower Revisited


Remember when I purchased the Desert Guard Tower from Steepled Hat Studios in September?  If not, please visit Desert Guard Tower for a refresher. 
The original
At the time, several readers commented that the pair of lamassus likely would have been painted in antiquity.  Scott provided such a rendering found in a Biblical museum.  I do not know the source of this photo but a big thank you to Scott for unearthing this example.  This piece became the inspiration for my version of the tower guarded by two painted lamassus.
Museum exhibit
While not an exact copy of the museum piece, I tried to remain faithful to the replica in much of the coloring.  After painting the two lamassus, the whole tower was given a Minwax stain to provide some depth to the tower and winged bulls.
I am pleased with the result and grateful for the suggestions of giving these mythical creatures a coat of paint.  They are on station to guard over my Assyrian Army when it takes to the field.
On Guard in color!

46 comments:

  1. What a beautiful piece to grace any battlefield Jonathan, I always wanted an Assyrian army right from the start but never got around to collecting one. Well done.

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    1. Glad you find this tower pleasing, Robbie! Indulge yourself in an Assyrian Army. That would make a fine 2020 project.

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  2. This will make a lovely centre piece. Superb presence for a small footprint.The museum exhibit is a stunning example.

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    1. I agree! The tower will make a fine rallying point for my Assyrian Army and an enticing objective for foe.

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  3. Lovely bit of terrain that. Well done!

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  4. Those are really nice, beautiful piece.

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  5. Painting the winged bulls makes such a huge difference and well worth the effort.

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    1. It is amazing to my eye the transformation made by a slap of paint. I did not expect this much difference in presentation. Even staining the bricks made a big difference in appearance.

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  6. That looks just great Jonathan and will be a stand out on the gaming table!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher! With its size, the tower will certainly stand out on the table!

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  7. Looks great and very imposing! That would put fear into the heart of any potential rebels. Love the lammasus.

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    1. It will be imposing on the table, no doubt. The lamassus really are terrific if a bit cartoony.

      Thanks!

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  8. Oh my! That looks FANTASTIC!

    Does it have a use on the table - other than being a stunning bit of scenery that must be maneuvered around (like a camp or Built Up Area in DBA or a Stronghold in DBA)?

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    1. Thanks! I plan to use it as a camp. The thought of using this as a basis for a walled city has crossed my mind too.

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  9. Stunning. A piece worthy of being the centerpiece of a game.

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  10. Fantastic work on a great looking historical piece, Jonathan!

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  11. Very nice, have looked at the tower a few times but not plucked up courage. I suspect the painted approach is historically accurate as we know most statues in antiquity were painted but I still find it grates , but then I m not much of a purist. Nice work

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    1. Thanks! Having only seen the unpainted and weathered statues, it seems strange to my eye to see these pieces painted too.

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  12. Wonderful work and will make a perfect camp for TtS!
    Best Iain

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  13. That looks great. I did wonder whether the weathered look might be better, but your painted piece definitely tops that idea.

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    1. Glad you approve of the result, Lawrence! I was a bit hesitant to try but happy I pressed on.

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  14. Excellent piece, it will definitely complement the battlefield.

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    1. This will make a fine addition to the battlefield. Finishing this has motivated me to put a couple of Assyrian unit’s into the painting queue before year-end.

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  15. And well you should be pleased Jonathan, it looks superb.

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  16. That's the most beautiful thing I have seen all day!

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    1. Thanks, Scott! Hopefully you have not had your eyes closed until now!

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  17. It's a fine piece and gracefully painted. I'm obliged to you for introducing me to the word "lamassus". It's going to be the name of my next prog rock band.

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  18. Great job painting up the terrain. I didn’t know that old statues like that were painted and painted do brightly but we learn something new every day. 😀

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    1. Thanks, Stew! I did not realize these Assyrian statues were brightly painted until recently either. The Egyptians painted theirs, why not the Assyrians too?

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  19. That is a superb piece, Jon. Painting the Lamassu really makes it pop in a major way!

    BTW, Acheson makes Lamassu if you are in need of more...

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    1. Glad you like the result, Peter! Amazing the difference paint made to this piece.

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