The Standard Bearer (probably Floris Soop, 1604–1657)

The Standard Bearer (probably Floris Soop, 1604–1657) by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a magnificent oil on canvas painting created in 1654. This powerful, life-sized portrait depicts a wealthy Dutch officer or militia member, presumed to be Floris Soop, dressed in the elaborate historical costumes characteristic of the period. Rembrandt’s meticulous handling of the oil medium is evident in the detailed rendering of the sitter’s attire, including a gleaming yellow silk sash, a feathered helmet, and the rich textures of the fabric and armor.

Created during the peak of the Dutch Golden Age, the canvas exemplifies Rembrandt’s mature style, characterized by a focus on psychological depth and the expressive use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro). The artist utilizes dramatic, localized lighting to focus attention on the subject’s determined face and his gripping hand, a hallmark of his later portraiture. The subject, one of many distinguished men captured by the artist, holds the tall, furled standard pole, symbolizing civic pride and military status within 17th-century Amsterdam society.

This exceptional work is considered a cornerstone of the European Paintings collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The intense gaze and commanding presence of the officer make The Standard Bearer one of Rembrandt's most celebrated single-figure portraits. While the original painting resides in the Met, the widespread availability of high-resolution image data means that detailed prints and reproductions are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing art historians and enthusiasts worldwide to study the master’s technique.