Artwork

The Standard Bearer

The Standard Bearer, by Prince Ruprecht, 1658
The Standard Bearer, by Prince Ruprecht, 1658

The Standard Bearer is a print by the Baroque artist Prince Ruprecht. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Standard Bearer is a 1658 print created by Prince Ruprecht, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene figure in a dark, dramatic setting, holding a staff adorned with a feathered plume. Their calm expression and slightly averted gaze contribute to an enigmatic presence.

Technique & Style

The work employs strong chiaroscuro, with sharp lighting accentuating the subject's face and hands against a shadowy backdrop, characteristic of Baroque's emphasis on drama and contrast.

History & Provenance

Created in 1658 by Prince Ruprecht, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

The Standard Bearer reflects the Baroque period's aesthetic preferences, where dramatic lighting and intense contrasts were used to evoke emotional depth and visual tension.

Legacy

As a representative of Baroque printmaking, The Standard Bearer contributes to the understanding and appreciation of 17th-century European artistic practices.

Artist & collection

Artist

Prince Ruprecht

Prince Ruprecht (1619–1682) was a German artist.

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