The Standard Bearer — Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn. Painted 1636.

Rembrandt’s ensign proudly poses near a column, the symbol of fortitude, his dagger within reach. Ensigns carried the banner of the civic guard or army. They had to defend this symbol with their life. When Rembrandt painted The Standard Bearer he had just begun working for himself and was experimenting with a loose painting style. Rembrandt took himself as the model: the face behind the walrus moustache is recognizably his own.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in Main building, Gallery of Honour.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 96.8 × 118.8 cm · Purchased by the Dutch State with the support of the members of the Rembrandt Association (thanks in part to its Stortenbeker Fonds, A.M. Roeters van Lennep Fonds, Nationaal Fonds Kunstbezit, Nationaal Fonds 1930, Acquoy-Nairac Fonds, Mevrouw dr. E. Frederiks Fonds, Mevrouw J.J. den Boer-den Herder Fonds, Cleyndert Fonds, Van Rijn Fonds, Saskia Fonds, Fonds voor Klassieke Beeldende Kunst, Themafonds 17de-eeuwse schilderkunst, Warning-Meijaard Fonds, Daan Cevat Fonds, the annual contribution of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and additional donations from members), the Rijksmuseum Fonds (Hans & Hedy de Klerk, Conrad Whelan 42 Fund, Anita Nijboer Fonds, the International Circle and other private donors) and The Friends Lottery.

Print: 96.8 × 118.8 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20022176. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.