Who painted Charles I, King of England [top half]?

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

Where can I see Charles I, King of England [top half]?

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

What movement is Charles I, King of England [top half]?

Charles I, King of England [top half] is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Charles I, King of England [top half]

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Charles I, King of England [top 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

Simon van de Passe’s 1621 engraving presents a portrait of Charles I, King of England, derived from an earlier silver medal. The image captures the monarch in half‑length, set against an unadorned light background, emphasizing the figure’s attire and facial features without narrative distraction.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with short, tightly curled hair, a ruffled collar, and a dark, patterned jacket. A prominent circular pendant rests at his throat, and his gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying a composed, neutral demeanor typical of early‑seventeenth‑century royal portraiture.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line engraving, the work translates the relief of the original medal into a two‑dimensional print. Van de Passe employs delicate hatching to render textures of fabric and metal, achieving a sense of depth and material quality within the constraints of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621, the print reflects the early reign of Charles I and the demand for his likeness across Europe. As a reproduction of a silver medal, it illustrates the period’s practice of disseminating royal imagery through both precious objects and more affordable prints.