Jaques I Roy d'Angleterre (King James I of England) 1598 - 1608

This engraving by Karel van Mallery portrays Jaques I, King James I of England. Encircling the royal figure, an inscription tells us that he is 37 years of age, followed by crosses dividing the words – these are no mere decorations. The cross motif, a potent symbol with roots stretching back to ancient cosmologies, here declares the divine right of kings. We see echoes of this symbol in the cross-topped orbs of emperors, or in the cruciform swords of medieval knights. These are all assertions of authority blessed, or even ordained, from above. Consider how the cross, once a symbol of suffering, evolves into a mark of power. It speaks to our collective memory, of a time when the earthly and divine were inextricably linked. This image is not just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed statement about power, legitimacy, and the enduring appeal of symbols that resonate deep within our shared consciousness.