Who painted Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half]?

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

Where can I see Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half]?

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half]?

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half] is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half]

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Charles I, King of England, On Horseback [bottom half] 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

This 1621 print, executed by the engraver Simon van de Passe, reproduces the lower half of a silver medal that depicts King Charles I of England mounted on horseback. Rendered entirely in black and white, the image presents the monarch in a ceremonial pose, emphasizing his authority through costume and accoutrements.

Subject & Meaning

The rider is identified as Charles I, shown wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a long, buttoned coat typical of early‑seventeenth‑century court dress. He grasps a spear, a conventional symbol of martial power, while his horse bears a saddle embellished with a crown motif, reinforcing the royal status of the figure.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine, intersecting lines to model the forms, a method known as cross‑hatching. This approach creates subtle gradations of tone, allowing the texture of the horse’s mane, the folds of the clothing, and the intricate details of the saddle to emerge from the engraving’s monochrome surface.

Context

The print derives from a medal—a common medium for propagating royal imagery during the period. By translating the medal’s design into an engraving, the image could be reproduced more widely, extending the visual representation of Charles I’s sovereignty beyond the limited circulation of metal medals.

Legacy

Simon van de Passe, a prominent member of the Dutch Passe family of engravers, was known for disseminating portraiture and emblematic images across Europe. This work exemplifies his role in circulating royal iconography, contributing to the visual culture surrounding the early Stuart monarchy.