Marquesa Elvira Lopez de Ibarra of Imperio Iberia

A (trial) concept drawing for the Iberian Woman Warrior of Project: Blood and Steel, a part of Historically Wrong Sketch Series based on the 17th Century Era Warfare. I feel that the series currently focus too much on characters from Eastern Europe and Central Europe, so, this drawing is dedicated to the Spanish (and Portuguese) who, at one time, pretty much had their flag planted on every corners of the world.

I've been trying to including some background settings as well for the woman warrior, as i noticed it enhances the scene, even just a little bit, nevertheless, any feedback is still much appreciated

Inspired by the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtCTMv… - I just loved the initial calming tune and the increasingly epic melody till the end.

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When speaking about the History of 16th - 17th Century Europe, one cannot miss the sovereign power that ruled the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish and Portuguese Empire. For much of the early middle ages, the land was ruled majorly by the muslim Maghreb from Africa, but the disunity amongst them paved the way for Reconquista which allowed much of the land controlled by the crown of Castile, Leon, Aragon and the newly independent Portuguese. After expelling much of the African invader, the Spanish and Portuguese began their way of building their legacy that awed much of Europe. Beginning by the discovery of the new world after the end of reconquista, the Spanish and Portuguese pursued to conquer much of the undiscovered world, bringing numerous wealth and prestige, while the majority of Europeans were busy with their petty conflicts and crisis.

The period of late 16th century to the early 17th century saw the Spanish ruled under the Hapsburg of Austria, who themselves a major player in the European Politics and sphere of influence. While the conquest of the new world brought many wealth, this was short lived as the sudden influx of gold brough huge inflation to the Spanish economy. With the coming of Thirty Years War, Spain was powerful, but fragile. Although their success in the early stage of war was enough to send a message of the Spanish legacy of might and power, the ongoing war proved too costly for the Spanish crown, and with their shipping line and colonies being frequent target for privateers and pirates hungry for 'Spanish gold', the Empire clearly could not maintain its glory as it was back in the 16th century. Nevertheless, they still play quite important part in the European Politics, maintaining their status quo throughout much of the centuries.

Historically speaking, women were forbidden to travel to new world, unless accompanied by their husband or male members of the family. One such famous lady by the name of Inés de Suárez, a female conquistadora, did exist in the history book. Although, given the nature of the promises about the new world at that time, it could be speculated that even women could disguised themselves in order to seek better fortune, joining the ranks of migrants, settlers and conquistadors alike.

In this drawing and the series, Marquise Infanta Elvira Mayor Lopez from the House of Ibara, is depicted in the typical (but very stylized) cuirass and morion, often seen worn by the Conquistador, although in this 17th century period, it was commonly worn by the Tercios. As the daughter of the ruling monarch and descendants from the same Dynasty as Urraca Alfonzes de Ibarra of the previous series, she held strong power over the Iberian court, and after being granted her own 'March' by the crown, pretty much seek to expand her influence elsewhere in europe and throughout the world, possibly meeting pretty much every characters from the entire Historically Wrong Sketch Series.

On the other hand, with the wealth of the Iberian Empire and their often draconian rule, attracted many envy of her neighbor. While the Ibarras were busy trying to maintain their dominion, another great power arose from central Europe, and the von Harzberg , who preyed on the Italian peninsula and much of western Europe, challenging the Authority of the Iberian Crown.

But then, all hell break loose when the Frisian (based on Dutch) decided to seek independence from the Iberian rule, and western Europe was finally thrown into bitter conflict.

And yeah, she is also deals with many of the Women Pirates in the spin-off series, like and


Also, the emblem and the flag is a stylized representation of the faction and no historical accuracy is intended....and also, i included the symbol for White Castle burger (replacing Castille), as a culinary in-joke .

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Perhaps i should mention the credit to these people , , , , and especially, one of the finest artist who has inspired me with all his detail researched and beautifully drawn works, mrt Fritz Vicari ...if i haven't met them, or any one of you who reads this, i'd probably still be drawing sketches and some 'doodles on the train'. so, Thank you very much to all of you for giving the inspirations and the feedback

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