Tuesday, March 22, 2005

SECOND REGIMENT

Another Revolutionary War soldier. This is the Second South Carolina Regt. which Francis Marion commanded for a time prior to the Fall of Charleston in 1780. These are really my favorite uniforms of the Revolution with Tarleton's green jacketed dragoon uniforms a close second. You'll notice the heraldic crescent on the leather cap. It's the same crescent that appears on the SC state flag. The significance of the crescent still puzzles me. Many eighteenth century uniforms featured heraldic symbols and the crescent has been seen on both American and British uniforms from the era. It's significance in heraldry is meant to signify the "second son" or, perhaps, second regt. It also is heavily connected to Moors/Muslims. Who knows? Anybody out there have any ideas?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your art is amazing. I don't have many famous artists, but one of my favorites is David's paintings both during and after the French Revolution, because they were colorful, historic, and real. Your paintings have that same clarity, but with a more modern animation flair, which works perfectly for the children's book. The only question I have is about the swamp fox himself. He looks so rugged and tough in the Fort Sullivan Spread that up close he looks a little unlikable. Since this is a children's book, I wonder if you might want to make him a little more cuddly (of course that would probably be less realistic) ((and how many people do you know look cuddly when they are getting shot at with cannons)) (((for that matter how many people do you know that get shot at with cannons whether they are cuddly or not)))

Talley

James Palmer said...

I am afraid that the truth is working agaiinst me on this one Talley... Francis Marion was sort of an ugly dude. A contemporary once called him a "knock-kneed, hooknosed, son of a bitch..."

Jared Chapman said...

From that description, I think I went to school with that guy. I really enjoy your work. Your work, even when being realistic, still has this great style about. You pay extra attentionto detail and the details are what make the illustrations, as wonderfully drafted as they are, so believable, IMO.

James Palmer said...

Jared,
I had a soccer coach one summer at soccer camp who fit that description PERFECTLY. Believe me, I know the type!

Anonymous said...

James: I LOVE your work. I've admired it since Ward started his blog and suddenly I've entered a new world. This is great fun. I am usually clueless as to what y'all write about, but I totally enjoy it - AND the art. Keep up the good work!

James Palmer said...

Wow! High praise indeed from Ward's mama. Thanks so much!! My own mother is too busy to look at my blog these days! Thanks for reading!

Anonymous said...

James, This 2nd Regiment guy looks a little portly, don't you think? I thought those guys had little food. This guy looks like he's been into the port wine a little too much. Just kidding. The uniform is very accurate, because Mama met a 2nd SC Regiment re-enactor last week and she informed Mama that her 2nd Regiment uniforms at Fort Sullivan were very true to history.