Artwork
James I, as James VI of Scotland
James I, as James VI of Scotland is an ink print by the Baroque artist Dominicus Custos. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This engraving on laid paper is a portrait of James VI of Scotland, later James I of England, created in 1600 by Dominicus Custos, a Flemish copperplate engraver.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents James in the context of his royal lineage and Scottish identity, surrounded by inscriptions that emphasize his status as a monarch, with the title 'Rex Serenissimus' and a poem highlighting Scotland's intellectual achievements.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in engraving, a technique involving carved lines on metal, resulting in a black-and-white image with intricate details, such as the subject's ornate clothing and the surrounding inscriptions.
History & Provenance
Custos produced the engraving while working in Augsburg, as part of a broader series titled 'Tirol,' a collaboration with humanist Marcus Henning.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dominicus Custos (1560–1612) was a Flemish artist, printer and copperplate engraver, who worked in the service of Emperor Rudolph II in Prague.
