Who painted Shield of James I?

Shield of James I was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Shield of James I?

Shield of James I is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shield of James I?

Shield of James I is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shield of James I

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Shield of James I 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 Shield of James I is a print produced in 1621 by the engraver Simon van de Passe. It reproduces the design of a silver medal, translating the metal relief into a black‑and‑white image. The work presents a heraldic shield surrounded by allegorical figures and ornamental motifs, typical of early seventeenth‑century commemorative prints.

Subject & Meaning

At the composition’s core lies a smaller shield bearing a lion and a harp, symbols traditionally associated with the Scottish and Irish realms of James I. Flanking this central device are two figures—a knight in armor and a warrior—who appear to support the shield, suggesting loyalty and martial protection. A crown set upon a wreath crowns the scene, reinforcing royal authority.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine line engraving on a copper plate, reproducing the intricate details of the original medal. The print captures the texture of the lion’s fur, the sheen of the knight’s armor, and the delicate scrollwork surrounding the central motif. The use of swirling arabesques and Latin inscriptions frames the image, reflecting the baroque ornamental vocabulary of the period.

History & Provenance

The engraving was created shortly after the issuance of the silver medal commemorating James I, serving as a means to disseminate the royal iconography beyond the limited number of medals. Copies of the print circulated among collectors and courtiers, providing a visual record of the monarch’s heraldic representation in the early Stuart era.

Context

Simon van de Passe, a member of the prominent Passe family of engravers, worked extensively for royal and aristocratic patrons across Europe. His 1621 shield aligns with contemporary practices of using prints to amplify the visual propaganda of monarchs, especially in the context of James I’s efforts to consolidate his rule over England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Legacy

The Shield of James I remains a reference point for scholars studying early modern royal iconography and the transmission of medallic designs through print. Its detailed execution exemplifies the technical skill of early seventeenth‑century engravers and contributes to the visual documentation of James I’s reign.