James I, King of England and Charles, Prince of Wales

About this work

This black-and-white engraving shows two men side by side. The older man on the left wears a crown, a fur-lined robe, and holds a scepter. His face is lined, and he looks stern. The younger man on the right has short hair, a ruff collar, and a chain around his neck. Behind them, a skeleton kneels with a crown and a scroll, while a winged figure floats nearby. The text at the top names the men as "James by the Grace of God King of Great Brittanie" and "Henri by the Grace of God Prince of Wales." The scene mixes power and mortality, with the skeleton hinting at death. Look up engraving to see how artists like Passe carved these detailed lines.