Who painted James I of England?

James I of England was painted by Unknown 19th Century in 1850.

Where can I see James I of England?

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

What movement is James I of England?

James I of England is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

James I of England

Unknown 19th Century , 1850

James I of England is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print is a black‑and‑white engraving portraying a bearded male figure wearing a wide‑brimmed hat, a lace‑trimmed collar, and a chain bearing a medal. The portrait is set within a simple oval frame, and a Latin inscription runs beneath the image.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as James I of England, indicated by the legend “IACOBUS DEI GRATIA,” a formula meaning “James by the Grace of God” that was commonly used in royal portraiture to assert divine right.

Technique & Style

Executed in line engraving, the work relies on fine incised lines to render texture—such as the beard, hat brim, and lace edging—and to suggest depth within the limited tonal range of black ink on paper.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to the tradition of early modern royal portrait prints, which were circulated to disseminate the monarch’s image. Specific details about its date, publisher, or original collection are not provided in the source material.

Context

During James I’s reign, printed portraits served both political and propagandistic purposes, reinforcing the sovereign’s authority across the kingdom and abroad through widely distributed images.