Artwork
Charles I, King of England
Charles I, King of England is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1616 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1616 print, executed by the Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe, reproduces a portrait of Charles I of England originally struck on a silver medal. The image presents the monarch from the chest upward, his gaze directed slightly to the right, set against a subtle gradation of light and shadow that frames the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait conveys a solemn, regal bearing through the king’s composed expression and the formal arrangement of his attire. The ruffled collar and richly patterned garments signal his royal status, while the restrained pose emphasizes dignity and authority rather than overt display.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employed fine line engraving to render intricate textures in the clothing and to delineate facial features with precision. The delicate cross‑hatching creates a nuanced tonal range, allowing the background’s gentle gradient to recede and the figure to emerge with a measured realism characteristic of early 17th‑century portrait prints.
History & Provenance
The print was derived from a silver medal, a common practice for disseminating royal imagery in the period. Produced shortly after Charles I’s accession, the work reflects contemporary efforts to circulate his likeness across England and the continent, serving both commemorative and propagandistic purposes.
Artist & collection
![Charles I, King of England [top half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--charles-i-king-of-england-top-half--dc79da295243563e-w320.webp)