Portret van koning Jacobus V van Schotland c. 1669 - 1731

This is Pieter van Gunst's "Portret van koning Jacobus V van Schotland," created around the late 17th to early 18th century using engraving techniques. The composition is dominated by the stark contrast between the detailed, textured bust of King James V and the smooth, undecorated background. The use of line and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the king's beard, fur stole and armor. The bust sits atop an elaborate plinth adorned with classical motifs such as lion heads and Greek key patterns, grounding the figure in a tradition of royal portraiture. The rigid, formal structure of the piece invites us to reflect on the nature of representation and power. Here, the formal elements—the sharp lines, the contrast of light and dark, and the structured composition—serve not only to depict the king but also to construct an image of authority and historical continuity. This engraving offers a meditation on the ways in which images shape our understanding of history and legacy.