The Great Lansquenet or Standard Bearer 1658

Prince Rupert of the Rhine created this mezzotint, "The Great Lansquenet or Standard Bearer," using a copper sheet to produce varying shades of dark and light. The composition, primarily in shades of grey, has a textural richness which evokes a somber yet evocative mood. Consider how Rupert employs chiaroscuro, the strong contrast between light and dark, to sculpt the figure, drawing our eye to the Standard Bearer's face. This face, framed by soft, dark curls, is a study in early modern ideals of masculinity. Note the gaze directed off to the side which lends an air of contemplation and perhaps melancholy. The use of line and shading around his collar and hat, replete with plumes, adds both depth and ornamentation. The mezzotint technique itself, which involves roughening the plate to hold ink, then smoothing areas to create lighter tones, allows Rupert to achieve a remarkable range of tonal values. In the end, it is the interplay between the subject and the artist's chosen medium that elevates this work beyond a mere portrait. It is a complex interplay of light, shadow, and texture which is open for continual questioning and dialogue.