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Notes
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The sitter wears a white ruff and a doublet that is jewelled and embroidered with leaves. Around his neck he wears a grey-black ribbon with the Lesser George of the Garter. The painting is inscribed: 'HERTZOG JOHAN VON/ERSKEN VON/SCHOT/LAN GRAF V./MAAR'. The pose and features are similar to the other portrait after van Somer inscribed as James VI, but the hair is darker and the complexion ruddier. The two may derive from the same model but the type does not agree well with authenticated portraits of James. It is possible that both portraits were of James Erskine (1558–1634), 2nd (7th) Earl of Mar, James's older contemporary and friend. On the other hand, the curious German inscription is certainly later than the picture and cannot be regarded as authoritative.
Title
King James VI and I (1566–1625)
Date
c.1650–1689
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 57 x W 45 cm
Accession number
EU0603
Acquisition method
gift from the wife of Provost Prince, 1689 (or from Sir Robert Sibbald a few years later)
Work type
Painting
Inscription description
HERTZOG / JOHAN VON / ERSKEN VON / SCHOT / LAN GRAF V. / MAAR