The Standard Bearer 1501

Albrecht Durer made this small print, *The Standard Bearer*, using the engraving process. This involved meticulously incising lines into a copper plate with a tool called a burin, a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. Notice the fineness of the lines, creating a wealth of detail. From the plume on the soldier's helmet, to the folds in his clothing, the work’s materiality influences its appearance. The texture and weight of the copper, coupled with Durer's skilled manipulation, result in a print of remarkable precision. Engraving was a highly valued skill, often associated with the production of luxury goods. Durer's mastery of the technique elevated printmaking to the level of fine art. It allowed for the mass production of images, enabling wider access to art, but also placing it within a burgeoning capitalist system. The beauty and complexity of Durer's prints remind us of the connection between materials, making, and meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between craft and art.