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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork

James I, King of England [top half]

Simon van de Passe , 1621

James 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

This 1621 print presents a portrait of James I, King of England, executed by the Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe. The image is derived from a silver medal that the artist originally designed, and it appears within a circular border that frames the monarch’s likeness against a modestly shaded backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The king is shown with a full beard and moustache, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a coat trimmed in fur, garments that signal his royal status and the fashion of early‑seventeenth‑century court attire. The composition emphasizes authority through the direct gaze and dignified posture.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine cross‑hatching to model the textures of fabric, fur, and facial features, achieving a sense of depth on the copper plate. The engraving’s delicate line work captures the intricate details of the king’s clothing and accessories, reflecting the artist’s command of the intaglio medium.

History & Provenance

Originally cut from a silver medal, the design was transferred to an engraving plate, allowing broader dissemination of the monarch’s image. Created in 1621, the print exemplifies the period’s practice of reproducing royal portraiture for both propaganda and collectible purposes.