Artwork
Shield of Queen of England
Shield of Queen 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
A scroll bearing a Latin inscription arches above the composition, giving the piece an official, dynastic character.
The work is a black‑and‑white engraving executed in 1621 by the Dutch‑born printmaker Simon van de Passe. It reproduces the design of a silver medal, presenting a heraldic shield topped by a crown. The shield is divided into four quarters, each bearing distinct ornamental motifs, and is flanked by two lions. A scroll bearing a Latin inscription arches above the composition, giving the piece an official, dynastic character.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif is a royal coat of arms, arranged in a quartered format that traditionally combines the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The surrounding lions serve as supporters, a common heraldic device symbolising strength and guardianship. The Latin banner, likely a motto or dedication, reinforces the work’s function as a visual affirmation of monarchical authority and lineage.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employed fine cross‑hatching to render tonal variation, creating depth and texture through intersecting lines. As a print taken from a silver medal, the engraving captures the crispness of the original relief while translating it into a two‑dimensional medium. The meticulous line work reflects the early‑17th‑century Dutch engraving tradition, emphasizing precision over painterly effect.
History & Provenance
Originally struck as a silver medal, the image was later reproduced as a print, a practice that allowed wider dissemination of royal iconography. The 1621 date places the work within the reign of James I, suggesting it was intended to celebrate or legitimize the English crown during his rule. The print has survived in museum collections, illustrating the period’s interest in portable, reproducible representations of sovereign power.
Artist & collection
![Shield of Queen Elizabeth [left half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-queen-elizabeth-left-half--f4b61579dbc6b41d-w320.webp)
![Shield of James I [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-james-i-bottom-half--ba628f9c8498bd19-w320.webp)
