Standard-Bearer for the Canton of Bern

1521

Urs Graf I

Associated Names
Urs Graf I

Artist, Swiss, c. 1485 - 1527/1529

This is a drawing of a person wearing armor holding a flag with a bear on it, standing on a floral pattern. The image depicts a figure with exaggerated musculature, adorned in a suit of armor, and grasping a flag pole. The flag features a large bear, which appears prominent on the fabric. Beneath the bear is a smaller, ornate scene. The word "BERN" is inscribed alongside an elaborate, decorative flourish beneath the figure, which is positioned amidst intricate floral motifs in the background. The style of the artwork is characteristic of woodcut printmaking, highlighting strong contrasts and detailed line work.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    white-line woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 19.1 x 10.6 cm (7 1/2 x 4 3/16 in.) (irregular)
    mount: 21.5 x 13.5 cm (8 7/16 x 5 5/16 in.) (irregular)

  • Accession Number

    2012.14.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 30

  • Series Title

    Standard-Bearers of the Swiss Confederacy

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2022

  • The Renaissance in the North: New Prints and Perspectives, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2022.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. vol. XI. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, no. 30.

Inscriptions

in image: BERN

Wikidata ID

Q76560709

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