The Little Standard Bearer
c. 1506-38
Strutting with the confidence of a modern runway model, this Landsknecht mercenary is decked out in the height of 16th-century fashion—think puffy slashed sleeves and a hat so large it needs its own zip code. Albrecht Altdorfer, a pioneer of the Danube School, signed this piece with a tiny 'A' in the corner, a hallmark of his detailed prints. While the soldier commands attention, don't miss the tiny castle in the background; Altdorfer was one of the first artists to treat landscape as a major subject, not just a backdrop. It’s a masterclass in texture, showing off the artist's skill with fine lines to render everything from feathers to armor.
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