James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle, Lord Hay of Sawley, Viscount Doncaster
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Accession Number
NPG.77.43.82
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking print from around 1620 captures James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle, a prominent Scottish courtier who rose to favor King James I and later served I. Created by Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe, who worked extensively in England, the portrait shows Hay in the elaborate attire of his era including a prominent ruff collar, cloak, and neatly trimmed goatee and mustache. The inclusion of his coat of arms underscores his noble status as Viscount Doncaster and Earl of Carlisle. Van de Passe specialized in detailed engravings that allowed portraits of royalty and aristocracy to circulate ...