John, King of England
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Accession Number
S/NPG.77.43.8
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the regal portrait of *John, King of England* (1618), an exquisite engraving by Renold Elack (c. 1570–c. 1625), a Dutch-born artist who became one of England's pioneering native engravers. Created over four centuries after King John's reign (1199–1216), this print captures the monarch in opulent attire—a flowing cape, jeweled crown, scepter, and sovereign's orb—flanked by his coat of arms. These symbols of power evoke the divine right of kings, a potent theme in early 17th-century England under the Stuart monarchy. Elstrack's work is part of the influential *Basiliologos* series, a lav...