James VI, King of Scotland

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Flemish printmaker Pieter de Jode I captures James VI of Scotland at a pivotal moment in British history. Created in 1603, the same year James succeeded Elizabeth I to become James I of England, the portrait marks the union of the Scottish and English crowns. The inclusion of a coat of arms emphasizes his royal authority and lineage, presenting the monarch as both a Scottish king and the new ruler of a combined realm. As an engraving, the work exemplifies the power of printmaking in the early seventeenth century. Unlike unique paintings, engravings could be produced in multi...