Artwork
James V, King of Scotland

James V, King of Scotland is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The print portrays James V, monarch of Scotland, rendered in formal attire and grasping an emblem of authority.
About this work
You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: engraving.
This painting shows James V, King of Scotland.
He's dressed in formal clothes and holds a symbol of power.
The detail that makes this work interesting is the level of precision in the engraving, which was a common technique back then, and it's notable that this was first published in 1602, a relatively early time for such detailed work.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: engraving.
Overview
The print portrays James V, monarch of Scotland, rendered in formal attire and grasping an emblem of authority. Executed as an engraving, the image was first issued in 1602, placing it among the earlier examples of highly detailed print work from the period.
Subject & Meaning
James V is shown in regal costume, a visual assertion of his sovereign status. The object he holds functions as a conventional sign of power, reinforcing the king’s political legitimacy and the visual language of monarchy prevalent in early modern portraiture.
Technique & Style
Created through the engraving process, the work demonstrates the fine line work and meticulous incising that characterize the medium. The precision of the lines, uncommon for many contemporary prints, reflects the technical skill of the engraver and the growing capacity for detailed reproduction in the early seventeenth century.
History & Provenance
First published in 1602, the print entered circulation during a period of expanding print culture in Britain. While the identity of the engraver remains undocumented, the image served as a disseminated portrait of the Scottish king, likely intended for both courtly and public audiences.
Artist & collection
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