Rembrandt’s ensign proudly poses near a column, the symbol of fortitude, his dagger within reach. Ensigns carried the banner of the civic guard or army. They had to defend this symbol with their life. When Rembrandt painted The Standard Bearer he had just begun working for himself and was experimenting with a loose painting style. Rembrandt took himself as the model: the face behind the walrus moustache is recognizably his own.