Constructing the Army of Italy

 

We are going to take a look at creating the Army of Italy, led by Napoleon's stepson Eugene de Beauharnais during the 1809 campaign. While Napoleon was in command in Germany facing the main Austrian army, Eugene had his first independent command in Italy. 

One of the more colorful units in the army was the Dragoni Regina (Queen's Dragoons). Their pink facings and extravagant horse-hair plumes give them a striking look sure to stand out. These figures are over 20 years old, relics from a company called Jacobite Miniatures. They were specifically Empress Dragoons but were perfect for the Dragoni Regina. This is a splendid example of how you can repurpose old figures into something new. There is also an immense degree of satisfaction in taking something that is near-discarded and turning it into a living, breathing, unit. 

Lacking an Italian cavalry standard, and considering the miniature had a blank molded one, I hand-painted the flag. I'm always amazed at how the impression of the script works nobly at this level (15mm). The dapper gentleman in the bearskin cap would be a member of the elite company. I also have an excess of Grenadiers a Cheval and am always looking for ways to creatively use them. 

To the right is a lithograph of the Dragoni Regina in the 1812 uniform. I used this as the basis for color patterns. Helmet plume colors would vary by soldier rank and position which is why you'll see differences in my unit. I like the green with the pink tops the best! All together a colorful, photogenic unit to create.