564 - C. MOSLEY (*1720) after SOMER (*1576), Portrait of James I, copper engraving

C. MOSLEY (*1720) after SOMER (*1576), Portrait of James I, copper engraving Charles Mosley (c. 1720 – c. 1770) after Paul van Somer (1576, Antwerp – 1621, London): Portrait of King James I with decorative frame and coat of arms, 18th century, copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving and etching on paper Inscription: Signed on the printing plate at the bottom: "Paulus Vansomer pinx. | C. Mosley scul.". Inscribed in the center of the printing plate: “JAMES I. KING of GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, and IRELAND, Defender of the Faith &c. | REGERE IMPERIO POPULOS.” Further inscription in the lower middle: “An Original Painting in the Palace of Hampton Court.” Date: 18th century Description: This finely executed portrait depicts King James I of Great Britain in an upright half-length figure within a richly decorated frame featuring the royal coat of arms, crown, and motto “Beati Pacifici.” He is wearing splendid court attire with a lace collar. The scepter and orb, symbols of royal power, rest on the ledge in front of the painting. The depiction is a representative tribute to the monarch as “Defender of the Faith.” Keywords: James I; Portrait of the King; Engraving; Copper engraving; 17th century; Baroque; Great Britain; Tudor-Stuart; Hampton Court; Royal coat of arms; Scepter; Orbs of the realm; Paulus van Somer; Insignia of office; Defender of the Faith; Representational art; Monarchy; Royal symbolism; English history; Portrait engraving; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 29.9 cm x 18.3 cm (11.8 x 7.2 in), Image: 28.4 cm x 17.6 cm (11.2 x 6.9 in) Condition: Good condition. Minimal discoloration due to age. No detectable stains. The engraving is clear and detailed. The ink is rich and appears fresh. Reinforced on the reverse with a narrow surrounding paper margin.