Dan Capuano uses forced perspective to re-create an iconic historic image synonymous with the Fall of the Third Reich.
Fall of the Third Reich
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PHOTOS: MODEL
The fall of the ReichPosted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 01:56 AM UTC
alanmac
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
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Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 02:53 AM UTC
Hi Henk
Thanks for posting.
Got a question in respect of your description. What is "Forced perspective" and how has it been used here ?
It's not a trick question or me trying to be a smarta*se but I can't see the difference in the perspective of the diorama to any other "normal" one.
I thought it was, for example ,using different scales to give the impression of greater distance within a smaller space but I can't see that here.
Cheers
Alan
Thanks for posting.
Got a question in respect of your description. What is "Forced perspective" and how has it been used here ?
It's not a trick question or me trying to be a smarta*se but I can't see the difference in the perspective of the diorama to any other "normal" one.
I thought it was, for example ,using different scales to give the impression of greater distance within a smaller space but I can't see that here.
Cheers
Alan
Tarok
Victoria, Australia
Joined: July 28, 2004
KitMaker: 10,889 posts
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Joined: July 28, 2004
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 03:04 AM UTC
Very nice. Plenty of fine details to admire
Rudi
Rudi
Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 03:21 AM UTC
Alan,
a good question, and perhaps my choice of term is not entirely accurate.
You are correct, forced perspective is usually used with different scales, to depict larger distances in a smaller space. What I was refering to here, is that the Russian Soldier mounting the flag, was doing so on top of the Reichstag in Berlin. (There is a famous photo sequence of this (I can't find it at the moment, but I'm sure somebody will post a link soon...), it's a bit like the Flag Raising by the Marines on Guadalcanal.) To have reproduced the height of the Reichstag to scale however, would have been impractical .
The choice is mine, as it is my interpretation of the diorama. Dan may have had something different in mind.
Cheers
Henk
a good question, and perhaps my choice of term is not entirely accurate.
You are correct, forced perspective is usually used with different scales, to depict larger distances in a smaller space. What I was refering to here, is that the Russian Soldier mounting the flag, was doing so on top of the Reichstag in Berlin. (There is a famous photo sequence of this (I can't find it at the moment, but I'm sure somebody will post a link soon...), it's a bit like the Flag Raising by the Marines on Guadalcanal.) To have reproduced the height of the Reichstag to scale however, would have been impractical .
The choice is mine, as it is my interpretation of the diorama. Dan may have had something different in mind.
Cheers
Henk
alanmac
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
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Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 03:38 AM UTC
Hi Henk
Thanks for replying. I thought I was missing something or that it was so well done I couldn't see the scale changes, but then seeing the base depth I was getting mixed messages.
"Artistic license" maybe?
Apparently, and I know the film sequence you are talking about, this was scene was played out for the camera and propaganda purposes. The soldiers that stormed the building did do it originally but there was no cameras around, so they re-shot the scene the next day so I've been told. A great scene because of its significance, effectively marking the end of the war in Europe.
All the best
Alan
Thanks for replying. I thought I was missing something or that it was so well done I couldn't see the scale changes, but then seeing the base depth I was getting mixed messages.
"Artistic license" maybe?
Apparently, and I know the film sequence you are talking about, this was scene was played out for the camera and propaganda purposes. The soldiers that stormed the building did do it originally but there was no cameras around, so they re-shot the scene the next day so I've been told. A great scene because of its significance, effectively marking the end of the war in Europe.
All the best
Alan
AJLaFleche
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: May 05, 2002
KitMaker: 8,074 posts
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 04:11 AM UTC
IMHO, this is Dan's most cohessive piece. I saw this at AMPS East a few years ago. As always, the elements Dan presents are spectacular in their painting and modification. The story line is very strong. But there are two problems. The placement of the jeep on the right side is nearly impossible. It's backed up to the wall but there is a girder directly in front of it. A really skilled driver might have been able to do this on a smooth surface, but it's surrounded by rubble. Likewise, the nashorh has a street sign directly in back of it so it can''t have driven forward to its position and the telephone pole leaning against the building is directly in front of it so it can't have backed into place.
Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 04:24 AM UTC
Then let me be the one
I have to say that I too did not really understand the forced Perspective link but thanks for clearing that up Henk
I have to say that I too did not really understand the forced Perspective link but thanks for clearing that up Henk
Ironmike
California, United States
Joined: March 28, 2006
KitMaker: 287 posts
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Joined: March 28, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 04:47 AM UTC
A visual treat, amigo. Simply splendid and rich in detail and excellent weathering and painting. Those figures turned out great as they are a difficult kit to build well. Nice job on the debris and ruins. Plently of things to study and enjoy. Splendid job. Museum quality results.
Ironmike
Ironmike
Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 09:50 AM UTC
Great diorama.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
vanize
Texas, United States
Joined: January 30, 2006
KitMaker: 1,954 posts
Armorama: 629 posts
Joined: January 30, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 10:34 AM UTC
here is a link to some of the work of the photojournalist who took that shot:
http://www.schicklerart.com/exh/yevgeni_khaldei/khaldei_selected_photographs.html
It includes 5 versions of the referred to picture.
some history behind the photo:
"In April of 1945, the Russians reached Berlin. Khaldei planned to photograph the capture of the city as it unfolded. When he realized that there were no Soviet flags in the city, he hopped on a plane to Moscow and searched throughout the day for a flag. As he entered a shop, he noticed some red tablecloths used for formal events. He borrowed three of these tablecloths from a reluctant shop worker named Grisha Lubinskii. Khaldei brought them to his uncle, a tailor, who then stayed up all night to sew on the hammer and sickle and yellow star.
Rushing back to Berlin he raised the first make shift flag over the Great German Eagle at the Tempelhof Airport on April 28. On May 2, Khaldei reached the Brandenburg Gate and witnessed a group of Russian troops being told that Hitler was dead. Khaldei immediately climbed the staircase of the gate and placed the second tablecloth-flag at the top with the bronze horses. Khaldei was determined to place the final Red Army flag at the top of the Reichstag. When he reached the burnt out structure, fighting was still going on in the basement. Khaldei and three comrades ascended to the roof of the Reichstag, which was slippery with blood from the fierce fighting just hours before. Khaldei then snapped one the most dramatic images of the century as the Russian soldiers raised the Soviet flag over the Reichstag."
http://www.schicklerart.com/exh/yevgeni_khaldei/khaldei_selected_photographs.html
It includes 5 versions of the referred to picture.
some history behind the photo:
"In April of 1945, the Russians reached Berlin. Khaldei planned to photograph the capture of the city as it unfolded. When he realized that there were no Soviet flags in the city, he hopped on a plane to Moscow and searched throughout the day for a flag. As he entered a shop, he noticed some red tablecloths used for formal events. He borrowed three of these tablecloths from a reluctant shop worker named Grisha Lubinskii. Khaldei brought them to his uncle, a tailor, who then stayed up all night to sew on the hammer and sickle and yellow star.
Rushing back to Berlin he raised the first make shift flag over the Great German Eagle at the Tempelhof Airport on April 28. On May 2, Khaldei reached the Brandenburg Gate and witnessed a group of Russian troops being told that Hitler was dead. Khaldei immediately climbed the staircase of the gate and placed the second tablecloth-flag at the top with the bronze horses. Khaldei was determined to place the final Red Army flag at the top of the Reichstag. When he reached the burnt out structure, fighting was still going on in the basement. Khaldei and three comrades ascended to the roof of the Reichstag, which was slippery with blood from the fierce fighting just hours before. Khaldei then snapped one the most dramatic images of the century as the Russian soldiers raised the Soviet flag over the Reichstag."
milvehfan
North Carolina, United States
Joined: June 26, 2007
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Joined: June 26, 2007
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 11:01 AM UTC
I just love seeing these dio's on here, lots of fine details, great painting and weathering effects....Awesome work to say the least and this one is no exception. Great work... milvehfan
desertfox42
Texas, United States
Joined: September 05, 2005
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Joined: September 05, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 04:17 PM UTC
Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!! Briliant use of color. Almost feel like I am looking at an actual color still of the action. Great Job!! Robert Liles
whittman181
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: December 30, 2006
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Joined: December 30, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 04:31 PM UTC
It still amazes me at the incredible talent that is consistently shown on Armorama. This piece is no exception , really amazing. Robert and Vance , thanks for the pictures as I've actually never seen any of them before Bob