The Standard Bearer of Unterwalden, 1521
Urs Grafexpand_more
White-line woodcutexpand_more
Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1926expand_more P.10,616
Not on Viewexpand_more
A new type of foot soldier emerged in the sixteenth century-the proud, self-conscious mercenary who cast his lot wherever there was money to be made. Urs Graf glorified this flamboyant type in this unusual white-line woodcut, in which the design is carved into the woodblock and much of the surface is inked. Graf's dramatic technique adds to the figure's brio as he poses in his fashionably slashed costume, with its ostrich plumes and ribbons. Graf was himself a mercenary, with a particularly roguish reputation. He was jailed repeatedly, played vicious pranks, and consorted with harlots. As if to underscore the point, he included a dagger in his monogram, seen near the date on this print.
Details
- Title
- The Standard Bearer of Unterwalden
- Artist Life
- c. 1485-c. 1527/1529
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.10,616
- Provenance
- Arthur H. Hahlo, 1926
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hollstein 33; His. 2 see Pass. I, 429-430
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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