Who painted Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern?

Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern was painted by Urs Graf I in 1521.

Where can I see Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern?

Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern?

Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern

Urs Graf I , 1521

Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Urs Graf I. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Urs Graf I’s 1521 woodcut titled Standard‑Bearer for the Canton of Bern presents a solitary, armored figure in motion, clutching a flag emblazoned with a crowned lion and the initial “B.” The composition is rendered in stark black and white on laid paper, with a modest landscape element—a small tree and undulating lines—suggesting ground or water beneath the standard‑bearer.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure embodies a martial herald, likely representing a civic or military representative of Bern. The lion on the banner, a common heraldic motif, signifies strength and authority, while the crown and letter “B” directly reference the canton’s identity. The raised foot and forward stride convey readiness and determination, aligning the image with themes of civic pride and defense.

Technique & Style

Executed as a white‑line woodcut, the image relies on incised lines that remain white against the dark inked background, a method that emphasizes linear precision and contrast. Graf’s handling of the medium yields crisp outlines for the armor and flag, while the softer, stippled areas suggest foliage and terrain, demonstrating the artist’s skill in balancing detail with the graphic qualities of the print.

History & Provenance

The piece has been preserved on laid paper, a common support for prints of the era, and remains a documented example of Bern’s visual culture.

Created in 1521, the print belongs to the early 16th‑century Swiss tradition of civic propaganda and commemorative imagery. Urs Graf I, active in the same period as Albrecht Dürer, produced works that circulated among local patrons and municipal authorities. The piece has been preserved on laid paper, a common support for prints of the era, and remains a documented example of Bern’s visual culture.