Artwork
King James I
King James I is an ink print by the Baroque artist George Keller. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
George Keller’s 1603 engraving presents a regal figure dressed in richly detailed costume, holding a sword and a globe. The subject’s forward gaze and formal stance convey authority, while a feather‑adorned hat, patterned cloak, and ruffled collar emphasize his high status.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait is intended to represent King James I, aligning his sovereign power with symbols of martial strength (the sword) and global dominion (the globe). The inclusion of the Order of the Garter’s motto, “HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE,” underscores his chivalric affiliations and the legitimacy of his rule.
Technique & Style
Keller employs fine cross‑hatching and precise line work characteristic of early 17th‑century engraving, achieving a textured surface that renders fabric patterns, facial features, and metallic elements with clarity. The method reflects the detailed, controlled approach typical of the period’s printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1603, the print coincides with James VI of Scotland’s accession to the English throne as James I, marking the union of the crowns. The work survives as a facsimile, indicating it was reproduced for broader dissemination of the monarch’s image during his early reign.
Artist & collection
