Artwork

Standard Bearer

Standard Bearer, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617
Standard Bearer, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1617

Standard Bearer is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Callot's 'Standard Bearer' is an etching on laid paper, created around 1617. It exemplifies the artist's skill as a printmaker and his ability to capture detailed scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a solitary figure, likely a soldier, holding a flag on a spear. The scene is set against a backdrop of scattered animals and people, suggesting a narrative rather than a realistic battle scene.

Technique & Style

The etching showcases Callot's use of sharp lines and cross-hatching to convey texture and shading. The technique allowed him to draw directly onto a metal plate, which was then used to print the image on paper.

Context

As a printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine, Callot documented various aspects of life, including military scenes and courtly events, often incorporating detailed landscapes. 'Standard Bearer' contributes to this broader documentation of 17th-century customs and figures.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.