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

James I, King of England is a 1621 engraving portrait created from a silver medal engraved by Simon van de Passe. The work presents a black-and-white depiction of the monarch with a solemn expression, characterized by a full beard and curly hair, framed within a circular border.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the engraving is James I of England, capturing his likeness with attention to detail in his attire, notably a intricately rendered collar with buttons and lace under his chin. The portrait conveys a sense of dignity and formality, reflective of royal portraiture conventions.

Technique & Style

The engraving utilizes lines and shading to achieve depth, particularly evident in the textured rendering of the king's face and the elaborate details of his collar. The technique involved etching into a metal plate, which was then used for printing, demonstrating van de Passe's skill in capturing fine nuances through this method.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621 by Simon van de Passe, the engraving's origins are tied to the artist's work on a silver medal from which the print was derived. Specific details on its ownership history or exhibitions are not provided.

Context

This engraving reflects the early 17th-century practice of producing royal portraits for dissemination, leveraging the reproductive capabilities of engraving to widespread James I's image. It aligns with the period's emphasis on detailed, realistic depictions of monarchs.