This is a story about how we managed to please a person who is completely far from military topics and a passion for history. However, one of this man’s favorite books since childhood turned out to be Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel “Eagle of Nine.” This is how the idea arose to embody the main character of this novel in a bust.
This is a collective image of a centurion, who on the march carried a shaft with an eagle, and he was called an aquilifer. Literally "he who bears the eagle" - the battle standard of the legion. There is no direct historical connection to an era or a specific legion. We are going to achieve, with help of various paints and techniques, to reveal the character of the hero.
Another aim was to show the texture of the materials as fully as possible. Several types of leather - old and new belts and shield edging, wood shafts, various types of fabric - clothing and shield upholstery. Metal is the harsh surface of armor, the silver of the phalera (a military decoration worn over armor) and the shining symbol of the Roman military valor. All this is realized with oil and acrylic paints, using a variety of artistic techniques.
In the work on the bust, however, historical materials were also used - the painting of the shield was made based on real shields of legionnaires that have survived to this day. Information about them was taken from a book dedicated to the history and attributes of the Roman legions.
One of the most important thoughts expressed in the novel “Eagle of Nine” is that even what at first glance seems impossible is possible. If you add desire, perseverance and professionalism to it. This work, which embodied the image of the main character of the novel, was made in unison with the book. Is it possible to please with this kind of gift a person who has no interest in military history or history in general? This work has being a positive answer this question was also commended at the international competition of models and miniatures SMC 2023.
