Artwork
James I
James I is an ink print by the Baroque artist Francis Delaram. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1641 engraving by Francis Delaram presents a formal portrait of James I, the King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. The print is characterized by intricate details and ornate elements.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts James I with a serious expression, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and ruffled collar, within an oval frame adorned with Latin inscriptions such as 'FIDEI DEFENSOR' and 'REX', signifying his royal status and role as defender of the faith.
Technique & Style
Delaram employed cross-hatching to achieve depth and shading, evident in the detailed rendering of the king's face and attire. The engraving's ornate motifs and playful elements are reminiscent of the Flemish school, suggesting Delaram's likely Flemish origins and training.
History & Provenance
Francis Delaram was active as an English engraver from around 1615 to the late 1620s, producing various prints including portraits and illustrations. He may have trained under Cornelis Boel, known for illustrating the first edition of the King James Bible.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francis Delaram (born around 1590, fl. 1615–1624 or 1627), was an English engraver. Delaram left a substantial collection of engraved portraits, landscapes and book illustrations (specifically, William Camden's…
Henricus Percye (Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland)
Charles I, as Prince of Wales
Sir Thomas Grisham
Guliemus Segar (Sir William Segar)
Thomae Gresham Equi. Aura (Sir Thomas Gresham)
Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia
Willmus Burton de Falde (William Burton)
Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII)
