Reviewed in MILITARY MODELLING, vol. 32 n°10, 2002.
A new 'Belle' bust has been released by PiLiPiLi – Belle of the Nile (BB-04) designed by Le-van Quang.
Based on decorative bronze sculptures of the late 19th and early 20th century Oriental/Egyptian school of art, the Belle of the Nile is dressed according to typical fashion worn during the New Kingdom (1580-332 BC.) A white tunic linen tunic is worn over the left shoulder leaving the right breast bare. The wig is of plaited wool and adorned with gold ornaments and buttons. The headband, earrings and collar have floral themes and she holds a blue lotus flower seen on mural paintings.
There are eight parts in the kit. Detail is crisp and sharply defined where necessary. The exposed breast is historically correct, and discretely partially covered by the right hand holding the flower to lessen any visual effect to those who would be offended by it. The right arm and hand have to be added and join at a break mid-biceps under a snake bracelet and also one for the hand to wrist joint. Assembly is easy, but it would be best, perhaps to paint the arm separately to the rest of the body and left side of wig before final assembly. First ensure the joints are good clean push fits, sockets and plugs, by easing them with trial dry assemblies.
K.M.J.
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