Description

To coincide with the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Jamestown in Virginia in 2007, this portrait of James I is one of several versions of portraits of the king that were originally painted by John Decritz around 1605-1606. Many more versions were also made by other artists. James disliked sitting for portraits, which helps to explain why so many of these look so similar. This version was painted early on in the king's reign and helped to establish the early portrait type with the head and shoulders slightly turned to the right; eyes looking towards the spectator; dark brown hair, moustache and beard. James I (1566-1625) was the first Stuart king of England and Ireland (1603-25) and succeeded to the Scottish throne after the abdication of his mother Mary, Queen of Scots. As king he reasserted royal authority against the encroachments of the nobility and, less successfully, of the Presbyterians. John Decritz was employed by Sir Francis Walsingham and by 1598 he was one of the leading portrait painters in London