Artwork

James I, King of England

James I, King of England, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621
James I, King of England, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 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

James I, King of England is a silver medal engraving created by Simon van de Passe in 1621, portraying the monarch in a formal, detailed portrait.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts James I with a thick beard, curly hair tied back, a decorative hat adorned with a star-like pin, and a ruffled collar, conveying his importance and regality through meticulous attire and a serious demeanor.

Technique & Style

The image features textured lines achieved through tiny etched marks, characteristic of the engraving process, which involves carving into metal before printing. This method allowed for the creation of highly detailed, high-contrast black-and-white portraits like this one.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621 by Simon van de Passe, specific details about the medal's original commission, distribution, or current location are not provided in the available information.

Context

As a portrait of James I, the engraving reflects the early 17th-century tradition of depicting monarchs in formal, symbolic attire, emphasizing their authority. The use of engraving as a medium facilitated wider dissemination of the king's image.

Legacy

While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of this specific engraving by Simon van de Passe are not detailed here, it contributes to the historical record of James I's visual representation during his reign.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Simon van de Passe

Artist

Simon van de Passe

Simon van de Passe (1595–1647) was an artist, born in Cologne.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.