Shield of James I [bottom half]

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Shield of James I [ half]*, a delicate engraving by Simon de Passe, dating from the late 16th century (circa 1551–1600). This tiny print, measuring just 5.7 × 4.8 cm, captures the lower portion of a heraldic shield linked to James I of England (also James VI of Scotland), whose reign bridged the Tudor and Stuart eras. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosen Collection, it exemplifies the period's fascination with royal portraiture and emblematic designs. Crafted as an engraving pulled directly from a silver medal engraved by de Passe himself—a masterful Dutch artist known for his precise line work—this piece highlights the innovative technique of reproducing medal impressions as collectible prints. The medium allowed for widespread dissemination of elite imagery, blending sculpture's tactility with printmaking's accessibility. De Passe's fine incisions render heraldic details with remarkable clarity on such a minuscule scale, showcasing the technical virtuosity of Renaissance engraving. For visitors, this artwork offers a window into Jacobean court culture, where shields symbolized power and lineage. Imagine it as a pocket-sized talisman of monarchy, bridging art and history in the palm of your hand.

About the Artist

Simon de Passe · 1590–1647

Simon de Passe (c. 1595–1647), born in Cologne to the renowned Dutch engraver and publisher Crispijn van de Passe the Elder and his wife Magdalene, grew up in a family dynasty of printmakers who had fled Antwerp due to religious persecution as Anabaptists. The second son among five siblings—four of whom became engravers, including brothers Crispijn II and Willem, and sister Magdalena—he trained un...