DISCOVERART

Albrecht Dürer

The Standard Bearer

c. 1500
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
11.6 × 7.1 cm (4.6 × 2.8 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Dürer’s iconic standard bearer hoists a flag emblazoned with diagonally crossed branches and double fire steels in the shape of the letter B , for the French region of Burgundy. These symbols suggest he is an infantry soldier fighting Italy or France for Maximilian I, the Burgundian ruler and Holy Roman emperor, later Dürer’s patron. With skintight hose, a fabric codpiece, slashed sleeves, jaunty feathers, and an antagonistically raised eyebrow, he defies any attempt to capture his flag.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Albrecht Dürer

Salvator MundiSalvator MundiPortrait of a Woman, Said to Be Caritas Pirckheimer (1467–1532)Portrait of a Woman, Said to Be Caritas Pirckheimer (1467–15Virgin and Child with Saint AnneVirgin and Child with Saint AnneVirgin and ChildVirgin and ChildSaint Jerome and the LionSaint Jerome and the LionAdam and EveAdam and EveUlrich VarnbülerUlrich VarnbülerPortrait of Ulrich VarnbulerPortrait of Ulrich Varnbuler

More like this

The Burgundian Standard BearerAlbrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528) — The Burgundian StandardThe Little Standard-BearerAlbrecht Altdorfer — The Little Standard-BearerThe Standard BearerLucas van Leyden — The Standard BearerMars, plate three from The Seven Planets with the ZodiacsHans Sebald Beham — Mars, plate three from The Seven PlanetsSun from The Gods Who Preside Over the PlanetsMaster I.B. — Sun from The Gods Who Preside Over the PlanetsMan on Horseback holding a FalconMaster IS — Man on Horseback holding a FalconA LansquenetSebald Beham — A LansquenetA Lansquenet Standing by a TreeSebald Beham — A Lansquenet Standing by a TreeSt. George on FootAlbrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528) — St. George on FootPortrait of Kunz von der RosenDaniel Hopfer — Portrait of Kunz von der RosenThe Standard-BearerJacob Binck — The Standard-BearerThe Standard-BearerMaster F. G. (German) — The Standard-Bearer