Tannenberg. The last fight of the Grand Master.
Tannenberg. The last fight of the Grand Master.
This scratch built 54mm diorama shows the the last struggle, the desperate fight of Grand master Ulrich Von Jungingen at the battle of Tannenberg, fought in July 1410.
As always, I love to compose a diorama like this with a very tight composition, including the colors as well to compose. A scene like this, or any vignette or diorama, should make use of all the figures, components and colors to tell the story.
I do aim to make these scenes to appear like a 3 D battle painting, trying to use the same approach as the old masters did when the created their magic on canvas!
Hopefully I will get there someday!

Mike
  • Eduardo Garcia Lope

    ... a piece of art. Awesome work.

  • Chris "D.Vader" SuhrePLUS

    Phenomenal

  • Origalum

    Epic work! So much efforts! Great

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Thank! And yes, it does require some planning and work… ! But I love it!

  • Erik Gideonse

    Brilliant dio! Full of character!

  • Dirk R.

    Looks brilliant !

  • RUSTO art and craft show Fabrizio Russo

    Great to see you! Obviously Gold and editor to me

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Thank you so much! I feel very honored indeed!

  • Sam1991PLUS

    Just breathtaking … the Teutonic allies seem like they are being shaded by a grey cloud so that the red of the Poles and White of Ulrich von Jungingen stands out and draws the viewers eyes to the rear. Impressive. GOLD.

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Thanks my friend! And a very good observation indeed, it is all part of the composition, from sculpting to the painting!

  • Steven ZuleskiPLUS

    Well, I’d say you’ve accomplished that goal hands down, Mike.  Superb, as always!

  • Magnus FagerbergPLUS

    Fantastic my friend, fantastic!

  • Holger SchwarzPLUS

    Das ist eine absolut packende und sehr realistisch wirkende Szenerie Mike !
      Ich habe Achtung vor Deiner Schaffenskraft .

      Herzliche Grüße Holger

  • Theodoros Giannakopoulos

    The well known amazing style of drama presentor Mike Blank.
    Gold+

  • Andrea70

    Impressive… Gold!

  • Roman LappatPLUS

    Awesome composition. Great dynamics and interactions. Amazing work! I only miss more photo angles and close ups of the interaction and at least a bit of blood on the ground. A historical battle in this size could fast look like a slaughterhouse. Without the mess, the blood, the muddy soil from blood, poop, sweat and fear it feels a little bit like they are on a theater stage. I hope you do not mind the feedback! I love it still! Great work!

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Dear Friend!
      Many thanks for your kind words and input. And I agree! With this scene it became more of a stage setting/movie poster/classical canvas battle painting than perhaps the reality of a bloody medieval battle. Good observation indeed. In the past I have created so many scenes with this gritty reality, which I enjoy doing, but with this one I focused more on the composition of the horses, men and the colors.
      Will try to post some more photos! Once again, thanks Roman!

    • Roman LappatPLUS

      Thank you very much for this good explanation. I see and understand now. Many thanks for taking the time to reply back and writing a very informative comment. Usually very rare here! Thanks, Mike.

  • Patrik HurtigPLUS

    You are the champion my friend!

  • Aksel ”Axefacepaints” Olsson

    Wonderful work Micke! Bravo!

  • Aksel ”Axefacepaints” Olsson

    Wonderful work Micke! Bravo!

  • Francesco Thau

    Gold!

  • eric wolfsPLUS

    woaw ! Gold

  • Fernando Fuentes @moonstaminis

    Epic!! Gold!

  • Marc MussatPLUS

    Stunning !
    The whole diorama accomplishes its aim ; emotion !
    Gold and editor’s from me

  • Sven Jonsson, "Avelorn"

    Fantastisk! :D

  • HubyPLUS

    really nice

  • Clive Jackson

    Superb sculpting, composition and use of light and shade, Mike! Gold of course!

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Thank you so much Clive! Yes, I love to play with the composition, light and shade to make it work together.

  • Mariano del Olmo

    Mike, as always, beautiful diorama. Great setting, painting and movement. The atmosphere is awesome as well. Hope you can upload more pictures of this one. Best, Mariano

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Thank you! I will try to upload more photos!

  • Gus

    Espectacular trabajo y esfuerzo.Como dices se ve como un lienzo.Oro!

    • Mike BlankPLUS

      Many thanks for those kind words!

  • Franco SolimanoPLUS

    A beautiful composition, I’m sure the old masters are proud!

  • Fabien DOUGNIER

    Wonderful work !

  • KostasG

    Great. Gold.

  • Sergey PopovichenkoPLUS

    There are no words for this work to describe my delight! Great immersion in emotions! Battle painting! Total war!