King James I of England and VI of Scotland

King James I of England and VI of Scotland (1566-1625), in mulberry-coloured costume, wearing the Sash and Breast Star of the Order of the Garter, the sceptre, crown and orb on a table at his side. Studio of Paul van Somer, the Flemish artist who came to London from Antwerp and became a leading painter at King James’s court. This is a version of a portrait by van Somer in the Royal Collection.

Oil on canvas

200cm x 125cm

James was the only child of Mary, Queen of Scots and her second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. He became King James VI of Scotland on the abdication of his mother in 1567, acceding to the English throne after the death of Elizabeth I in 1603.