King James I of England and VI of Scotland

Sitterback to top

• King James I of England and VI of Scotland (1566-1625), Reigned, Scotland from 1567, England 1603-25. Sitter associated with 196 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Daniel Mytens (1590-1647), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 51 portraits, Sitter associated with 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots and her second husband, Lord Darnley. He became king of Scotland at the age of thirteen months, on the abdication of his mother, and the country was run until his majority by a succession of Protestant Regents. Crowned king of England in 1603, James's unshakeable belief in the 'Divine Right of Kings' and the money and honours he showered on his favourites such as the Duke of Buckingham made him widely unpopular. He was however an able scholar and theologian and under his patronage the sermon developed into a significant literary form. In this portrait the tapestry behind the King, who wears full robes of the Garter, incorporates the Tudor rose and the motto BEATI PACIFICI: 'blessed are the peace makers'.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Cooper, John, A Guide to the National Portrait Gallery, 2009, p. 17
• Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 66
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 332
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 177
• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 108
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 108

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery
• On display at the Gallery
• Swords and shields