King Charles I
4 of 5 portraits by Nicolaus van der Horst
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King Charles I
probably by Cornelis Galle the Younger, after Nicolaus van der Horst
line engraving, mid 17th century
7 3/8 in. x 5 1/2 in. (186 mm x 140 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D18218
Artistsback to top
- Cornelis Galle the Younger (1615-1678). Artist or producer associated with 13 portraits.
- Nicolaus van der Horst (1598-1646). Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This print is evidence of the European market for images of Charles I. The portrait appears like a holy icon, framed by boughs of palm and laurel. The print takes the form of an allegorical coronation using ancient Roman imagery popular at the time. Jupiter, king of the gods, crowns Charles while Apollo and Mars wreath him with laurels, symbolising his victory over death. Above them, a personification of Fame blows a trumpet to herald his immortal renown.
The French text can be translated as:
This Monarch ranks among the Gods
Even they pay him tribute
As to the Miracle of our Age
Look for his equal under the heavens
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Charles I: King and Martyr (19 July 2008 - 14 December 2008)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1630back to top
Current affairs
Charles I's first surviving child, Charles, is born in St. James's Palace. He is baptised by the Anglican Bishop of London, William Laud, and brought up in the care of the Protestant Mary Curzon, Countess of Dorset.Art and science
The Cottonian Library, containing the greatest resource of Old English and Middle English literature, founded by antiquary and anti-royalist, Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, is confiscated by the authorities.International
Philip IV of Spain and Charles I sign the Treaty of Madrid, ending hostilities between the two countries. Spanish diplomat, Cesare Alessandro Scaglia, assists with the conclusion of the peace deal.German, Protestant land is regained from Catholic allies on account of Swedish intervention in the Thirty Years' War.
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