Vaandeldrager c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer etched this small yet striking "Vaandeldrager," or standard bearer, capturing not just a soldier but an emblem of steadfastness. The flag, a potent symbol of allegiance, looms large, almost enveloping the figure, reminiscent of ancient Roman vexillum bearers. Recall too the standards in battle scenes throughout history. It appears also in Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, which charges forward, becoming more than cloth; it's a rallying cry. Here, Altdorfer's standard-bearer stands firm. The weight of his armor mirrors the burden of duty he carries. The symbol, ever-present, links distant cultures and epochs. The act of bearing a flag, of committing oneself to an idea or cause, engages us on a deep, subconscious level. This etching captures that emotive force, that unyielding determination. Thus, the standard persists—a testament to humanity's enduring quest for meaning.