German Landsknechtes in Brittany
Maximillian I of Austria raised the most famous of mercenaries in the Renaissance, the Landsknectes. These mercenary Saxon princely bands started to become more common after 1488. As part of his support for his future wife 11 year old Anne of Brittany, he sent a small contingent as a body gaurd of 32 Halberdiers in 1487 commanded by Henri de Villespern. When the French launched their invasion of the duchy a promise came from Maximillain I that he would send 3500 mercenaries to support the Duchy of Brittany.
Only 840 men arrived in Brittany in time for the battle of Saint Aubin du Cormier, the contingent contained three troop types, Pikemen, Halberdiers and arquebusiers, they were placed under the command of Louis II duc de Orleans (plus he added his retinue of 230 MAA, Louis became the future king of France Louis XII 10 years later) 700 pikemen and Halberdiers commanded by Captain Bhler of Jullac (thought to be the bastard son of Duke Heinrich VIII of Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel), and 90 arquebusiers. I will break this into three contingents, one pike, one Halberdiers and a skirmish base or Arquebusiers.
The figures are from the Perry Miniatures mercenaries box
Cheers
Great painting Matt.
ReplyDeletecheers Ray
DeleteNice work on these Matt.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul
DeleteCherrs
Matt
Great looking force.
ReplyDeleteThanks, another base of Germans not far off
DeleteVery nice work indeed
ReplyDeleteThanks Ross
DeleteWell done if perhaps a bit understated for Landsknechts... on the other hand, this is early in their evolution.
ReplyDeleteYes very early, about 15 years before they become over the top with their dress
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