Who painted James I, King of England?

James I, King of England was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see James I, King of England?

James I, King of England is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is James I, King of England?

James I, King of England is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

James I, King of England

Simon van de Passe , 1621

James I, King of England 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 image is executed as an engraving derived from a silver medal, giving it the appearance of a finely detailed drawing rather than a painted likeness.

This 1621 print presents a portrait of James I, King of England, rendered in black and white. The figure is shown with a full beard, curly hair, and a solemn expression, his gaze directed outward. He wears an ornate collar and a chain, indicating royal status. The image is executed as an engraving derived from a silver medal, giving it the appearance of a finely detailed drawing rather than a painted likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts James I, the monarch who united the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. The solemn facial expression and the inclusion of regal accessories such as the collar and chain emphasize his authority and the gravitas associated with his reign. The direct stare engages the viewer, reinforcing the king’s presence and the political weight of his image in early‑seventeenth‑century England.

Technique & Style

Simon van de Passe employed a line engraving process, incising the design into a metal plate—originally a silver medal—before transferring it to paper. The technique yields crisp, precise lines that convey texture and depth, producing a sketch‑like quality. The high level of detail in the facial features, hair, and ornamentation reflects the engraver’s skill in rendering complex surfaces through controlled line work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621, the print originates from a medal engraved by van de Passe, a noted Dutch artist active in England. The engraving was likely produced for distribution among courtiers and collectors, serving both as a portrait and as a means of disseminating the king’s image. Surviving copies are held in several European print collections, documenting its circulation during the early modern period.

Context

The early seventeenth century saw a rise in portrait medals and their printed reproductions, which functioned as political propaganda and personal commemoration. Van de Passe’s work aligns with this trend, providing a portable, affordable representation of the sovereign that could reach a broader audience than a painted portrait. The print reflects contemporary expectations of royal imagery, balancing realism with idealized symbols of power.