Artwork
James I, King of England
James I, King of England is an ink print by the Baroque artist Crispijn van de Passe I. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Crispijn van de Passe I produced this 1613 engraving of James I, who reigned as king of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The print presents a formal portrait in monochrome, emphasizing the monarch’s dignified bearing through precise line work and a restrained background.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is depicted with a solemn expression, full beard, and elaborate lace collar, holding a small object in his right hand. Inscribed titles around the border proclaim him king of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, underscoring his claimed sovereignty and political stature.
Technique & Style
Created by hand‑cutting fine lines into a metal plate, the engraving achieves tonal variation through dense cross‑hatching and delicate stippling. This method allows subtle shading that renders the textures of fabric, metal chain, and facial features, typical of early‑17th‑century portrait prints.
History & Provenance
The work dates to 1613, during James I’s reign, and reflects the period’s demand for disseminating royal imagery across Europe. Van de Passe, a prominent Dutch engraver active in the Low Countries, produced the plate for distribution to patrons and collectors interested in contemporary monarchs.
Context
In the early Stuart era, printed portraits served both political propaganda and personal commemoration. The inclusion of Latin inscriptions and regal titles aligns with the era’s emphasis on dynastic legitimacy and the monarch’s claim to multiple thrones.
Artist & collection
Artist
Crispijn van de Passe I (1564–1637) was an artist, born in Arnemuiden.
