Del Prado · Figure Study
Del Prado’s Mongol archer stands holding a curved bow across his body. He wears a blue patterned coat, boots and a fur-like cap, with archery equipment at his side. Although Mongol armies are strongly associated with mounted archery, this particular release depicts the man on foot.
The Bow at Rest
The Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 brought Mongol forces into conflict with Rus’ princes and their steppe allies. Mobility, reconnaissance and archery were important parts of Mongol warfare. The figure’s resting bow provides a different view of that military world from the usual image of an archer firing at full gallop.
Review
The patterned coat is the first detail to catch the eye, followed by the bow’s shape. The quiet pose is well suited to examining clothing and equipment. It is an attractive dismounted subject, though collectors seeking a mounted archer should recognize that the horse is not part of this release.
Reference: Del Prado product identification. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
Related figures: Norwegian Viking Warrior 872 · French Handgunner 1450.