Copy of Le Porte-Étendard (The Standard Bearer), from "Les Caprices" 1620 - 1700

This etching, part of the series "Les Caprices", depicts a standard bearer in the midst of a battle. The anonymous artist, working between 1620 and 1700, captures the chaotic energy of the scene through the swirling lines of the standard, the fleeing soldiers, and the dramatic pose of the central figure. The etching is a powerful example of the Baroque period's fascination with the drama of war and its portrayal of the individual within the chaos of battle. "Les Caprices" is known for its satirical and grotesque imagery, and this work is no exception, highlighting the absurdities of war through its exaggerated figures and compositions. "Le Porte-Étendard" is a testament to the artist's skill in capturing the human condition through the lens of conflict.