Who painted Charles I, King of England, On Horseback?

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Charles I, King of England, On Horseback?

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Charles I, King of England, On Horseback?

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print presents a solitary rider astride a rearing horse, rendered in a circular format that isolates the figure from any surrounding landscape. The subject, clothed in richly ornamented dress, holds a sword aloft in his right hand while his left hand guides the horse's reins. The composition emphasizes motion and authority through the dynamic pose of both rider and animal.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is identified as Charles I, monarch of England, portrayed in regal attire that includes a feathered hat and an elaborate cloak. The sword and the horse’s vigorous stance convey martial power and sovereign command, reflecting the early‑seventeenth‑century ideal of the king as both a warrior and a dignified ruler.

Technique & Style

Executed by Simon van de Passe, the image employs fine cross‑hatching to model the intricate details of costume, armor, and the horse’s musculature. The engraving translates a silver medal design into a printable form, preserving the medal’s relief qualities through line work that suggests depth and texture without reliance on shading or color.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621, the print derives from an original medal engraved by van de Passe, a noted Dutch‑German printmaker active in England. The work circulated as a commemorative image of the young king, serving both as a political emblem and as a collectible print for patrons interested in royal portraiture during the early Stuart period.