http://www.jloose.com/siteimages/gladpanels2.jpg

Here's the first two panels for the Gladii Arminius (http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36648). (Hope I got that possessive right...)

They took a bit longer to do as I decided to use the labors of my senior thesis and inlay the images with niello. Niello is a fusion-inlaid alloy, which means that one covers a relief surface and then sands it down to reveal the contrasting materials. It is made with silver, copper, a very small amount of lead and sulphur (the two toxic compounds are inert by the time one is finished making the piece.) It is a relatively lost art and one used extensively during the period in question... more often by the Migration peoples and later the Vikings, but also by the Romans on back to the Egyptians. You can read more about it by going to my website and clicking on "Studio," and then "An Exploration in Niello."

I have utilized image styles from Trajan's column (a bit later than Arminius' death, but relatively contemporary,) as I imagine they would be interpreted and mimicked by someone with a Barbarian perspective on things... The first panel depicts Arminius being led away by a Roman with his parents, under an oak tree watching. The second panel depicts Arminius' attainment of the status of Equestrian, which was essentially a Roman knight (the horse by this time is largely symbolic, as it is in knighthood today.) The final panel will remain a bit of a mystery until the piece is entirely finished. They are about 2" x 1.5".

I've been planning on using a lot more niello and indeed, most of my silver work designs have been created with it in mind... :)

Very cool. I have to follow your tip and go read more on the process.

Fascinating. Looks to be quite the substantial project and gives evidence of your depth approach, using both intellect and skill. Impressive!