Research and Inspiration Sources

Just going to post a whole load of images and sources that I've taken research and inspiration from.

I started off with looking at Napoleonic clothing, namely of soldiers. This was pretty simple, using Google images and looking at the drawings that had been made in that era.

This first one (above) is, as you can see, a British soldier with full kit in use between 1806 and 1820. Although it's a British uniform, it's easily discernible as Napoleonic era (something I had realised early on was that that soldier doesn't have to be French, so it was a good idea to look at a few Nations' uniforms). Very typically, uniforms in this era were designed both to be durable and very pronounced (as opposed to today's uniforms which, although still durable, are designed to be more practical and camouflaged).

[Taken from the source, to give me a better insight into how the uniforms were designed] NOTIONS: Linen hand sewing thread, reproduction buttons, reproduction lace. Buttons - The number, size and form of buttons varied by corps, although most coats of battalion or grenadier enlisted men or sergeants required 18 large "coat" and 12 small "vest" buttons, while light infantry coats were usually fully trimmed with small buttons. Lace - Enlisted lace was 1/2 inch wide of distinct regimental pattern. Although the amount varies by regiment or corps, it generally required 12 yards of worsted regimental lace to trim the buttonholes and edgings of enlisted men and sergeants' coats, while drummers' or music coats required 28 to 32 yard.

An insight into the hats used. Like the rest of the uniforms, there were many hats used by the infantry to signify their role. However, I don't think these were all of the hats used, just a basic idea. For instance, the picture above with the British Soldier has a different hat to all of these. Despite saying at the bottom "Napoleon, His Army and Enemies" it doesn't seem to have them all. Saying that, it doesn't have Napoleon's hat either, as shown below.

The hat above, a Bicorn, is one of those actually worn by Napoleon, at least according to its source.

Above is a tricorn.They were normally used by sailors, including the Navy. They came in a wide variety of styles, from the simple (like above) to the elegant (such as over-the-top designs with lots of feathers like you see in Pirates of the Carribean). They were also the basis for the later-to-be Bicorn (above, Napoleon's hat).

An example of Tricorns in use by soldiers. Just to clarify that they were used. I also think they look pretty cool, so I might use these. On top of that, their dress coats are very nice too. These are probably going to be the basis of my soldier really.

A reference for myself to try and better understand how the tricorn sits on the head. The basic idea is that the three sides fold in and clip to the main base of the hat. The corner at the front is also designed to let water drip out of the front. (Possible game mechanic to make something harder? End up in rain, vision partially obscured by dripping water from the hat.)

Been playing this game a lot, Dishonored. It's a mix of different eras and styles. In terms of technology, it's much like Steampunk. Architecture, I'd say Pre-WW1 London style. The clothing, Napoleonic. As you can see above with the exploding soldier, he's wearing what is easily discernible as Napoleonic clothing.

I also had a look into Fable 3, which actually has the same kind of style to Dishonored (and looking at the similarities in art style, clothing and setting (both have Steampunk features) Fable probably influenced Dishonored).

Captain Jack and his Tricorn hat. Could also help with how it sits on the head as I can't seem to get it right while drawing.

Someone also suggested I have a look at "Hornblower," a TV series from 1998 to 2003 which was about the Navy in Napoleonic period. Not sure what else to say really, since I haven't watched it. However, images are useful for uniforms.

Can't seem to find any full body shots.