James I, as King of Scotland

About this work

This is a black-and-white portrait of a man in a stiff collar and ornate armor. His face is serious, with a short beard and curly hair. Around his neck is a chain with a round medal, and his hands rest on a decorated breastplate. The border has Latin text and symbols, like a crown and a shield with a cross. The armor and medal suggest this was meant to show power and status. The Latin phrase at the top reads *"Serenissimus Jacobus"*—which means "Most Serene James." Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal.