Portrait of James I (1566-1625), King of Engeland

About this artwork

miniatuur op karton

Art Historical Context

This exquisite miniature portrait depicts James I (1566–1625), King of England and (and James VI of Scotland), crafted by Lawrence Hilliard between 1600 and 1625. Measuring just 5.2 cm high by 4.7 cm wide, it is painted on cardboard—a rare and intimate medium for such tiny works, which were often worn as jewelry, kept in lockets, or exchanged as tokens of loyalty and affection among the elite. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, this piece exemplifies the Jacobean era's fascination with portable, personal art. Miniatures like this one flourished in early 17th-century England, serving as diplomatic gifts, mementos, or symbols of royal authority during James I's reign—a time of unification between England and Scotland, the King James Bible's publication, and cultural patronage. Lawrence Hilliard, working in the tradition of English limners, captured the king's likeness with remarkable detail in this diminutive format, highlighting the technical virtuosity required for such precision on an unconventional support like cardboard. Its survival underscores the cultural importance of royal portraiture, bridging personal devotion with political propaganda, and offers visitors a glimpse into the refined tastes of Europe's courts.