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. This print, produced in 1621, presents a portrait of James I of England.

About this work

Overview

This print, produced in 1621, presents a portrait of James I of England. Rendered in black and white, the figure is shown with a full beard and mustache, wearing a wide-brimmed hat topped with a crown-like ornament. A fur‑lined collar frames his neck, and a decorative chain bearing circular medallions drapes across his chest.

Subject & Meaning

The image identifies the monarch through his distinctive facial hair, regal headgear, and the chain of medals, symbols of royal authority and honors. The crown motif on the hat and the displayed medals reinforce James I’s status as sovereign, while the dignified pose conveys the gravitas associated with early‑17th‑century kingship.

Technique & Style

Executed by Simon van de Passe, the work is an engraving derived from a silver medal. Fine, parallel lines create subtle shading, especially in the beard and fur collar, giving the portrait depth and texture. The precision of the line work reflects the meticulous metal‑cutting process typical of early modern European printmaking.

History & Provenance

Simon van de Passe, a noted Dutch engraver active in England, produced this image shortly after James I’s death, likely to commemorate the former king. The print was pulled directly from a silver medal, a common practice for disseminating royal likenesses to a broader audience in the early 1600s.