Who painted Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shield of James I [bottom half]

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Shield of James I [bottom 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, executed by the Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe, reproduces the lower portion of a silver medal’s shield. Rendered in black ink on paper, the image presents a densely ornamented shield framed by a crown above and flanked by a lion and a unicorn. Encircling the shield, a band of text follows a circular path, some of it inverted, creating a complex visual rhythm.

Subject & Meaning

The shield’s heraldic elements—crown, lion, unicorn—reference the royal iconography associated with James I of England and Scotland. The surrounding inscription, arranged in a roundel, likely records titles or mottos pertinent to the monarch’s reign, reinforcing the medal’s function as a commemorative object that celebrates sovereign authority.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employed fine line engraving and cross‑hatching to achieve tonal variation and a sense of three‑dimensionality. The meticulous incisions produce delicate textures on the metal surface, which translate into nuanced shading on the paper. This attention to detail reflects the early‑17th‑century emphasis on realism and the technical virtuosity characteristic of the period’s printmakers.

History & Provenance

Originally derived from a silver medal, the engraving was pulled from the metal to create a printable image, a common practice for disseminating royal propaganda. The work bears the date 1621, situating it within the early reign of James I. It has since entered museum collections as an example of van de Passe’s prolific output for courtly commissions.