After John de Critz

This portrait is based on the first likeness of James taken after his accession to the English throne in 1603. In contrast to his earlier Scottish portraits, James is shown wearing the Order of the Garter, the highest English order of chivalry. Elizabeth I, James’ Tudor predecessor, was rarely portrayed in her Garter paraphernalia, but James, as the new Scottish king of England, was clearly keen to display his Englishness with the Garter sash. As the first likeness of James as King of England, De Critz’s image was in great demand due to the desire to show loyalty to the new Stuart regime. Good quality versions can be found in the Dulwich Picture Gallery,¹ the Prado,² and at Loseley Park.³

¹ https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/explore-the-collection/501-550/james-vi-and-i/

² https://www.wga.hu/html_m/c/critz/james_1.html

³ https://www.loseleypark.co.uk/house/john-de-critz-portrait-of-king-james/