Shield Bearer with the Ducal Arms of Saxony 1515 - 1525

Hans Daucher carved this limewood sculpture of a "Shield Bearer with the Ducal Arms of Saxony" sometime in the early 16th century. The choice of limewood is crucial. It’s a relatively soft material, allowing for a high level of detail, like the intricate heraldry on the shield and the boy's armor. Daucher would have used a variety of carving tools, from axes to chisels, to shape the wood, revealing the figure within. He then added paint to bring the surface to life. The sculpture testifies to the social context of the Renaissance, where skilled artisans like Daucher were commissioned by wealthy patrons to create objects that reflected their status and power. This wasn’t just art; it was a display of dynastic lineage, emblazoned on the shield. Daucher’s sculpture blurs the lines between craft and fine art, demonstrating the skill and artistry inherent in both.