James VI and I, 1566 - 1625. King of Scotland 1567 - 1625. King of England and Ireland 1603 - 1625

This portrait shows James VI of Scotland after he had acceded to the English throne on Queen Elizabeth's death and moved down to London. The jewel on his hat, known as the Mirror of Great Britain, was commissioned to commemorate the union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603. One of the diamonds had been a gift to Mary, Queen of Scots, from her father-in-law, the King of France. This painting is based on one of De Critz's official, full-lenght portraits of the king. James disliked sitting for his picture and there are few portraits of him from the life.