James, King of Scots
1850
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1850
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
James, King of Scots is a 1850 ink by Unknown 19th Century, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man in fancy clothes, standing with his hands clasped in front of him. Behind him is a shield with a deer’s head and a crown, plus a wavy banner with a ship and a castle. The text at the bottom reads *"IACOBUS DEI GRATIA . SCOTOR . etc. REX"*, which hints at a royal title. The deer head on the shield might symbolize strength or leadership—common in old European coats of arms. This kind of detailed engraving was often used to show power and history in a clear, dramatic way. If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists used lines and shadows to create depth.
