Probably King James I (James VI of Scotland) (1566–1625) as a Boy
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1565 (original)
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1050 x 795 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129119
Caption
The boy in this picture has, in the past, been identified as James V or James VI of Scotland (James I of England). However, his dress rules out the former and he bears no resemblance to the latter. The picture has been all the more difficult to judge, in that little more than the head, hands, sleeves, and goffered lace collar and cuffs appear to be original. The floor, table, hose and shoes may all be later inventions, painted over parts that were lost.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Probably King James I (James VI of Scotland) (1566–1625) as a Boy, British (English) School, after an original of around 1565. A full-length portrait of a young boy, turned slightly to the left, wearing dark grey/green doublet and breeches embroidered with gold braid, high white ruff and black hat with ostrich feather, his right hand resting on a table which is covered in a green velvet cloth with gold binding and fringe, his left hand rests on the pommel of his sword. Green curtain background, draped to left, fringe matches cloth on table.
Provenance
By inheritance until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959
Credit line
Hardwick Hall, The Devonshire Collection (acquired through the National Land Fund and transferred to The National Trust in 1959)
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist