A large engraved portrait of Charles I by Willem Jacobsz Delff 1628
DELFF, Willem Jacobsz; MYTENS, Daniel. A large engraved portrait of Charles I printed in 1628.
Large line engraving, 1628, approximately 415 x 290 mm excluding the later mount. A substantially complete impression depicting Charles I half-length within an oval frame, wearing an elaborate lace collar, richly embroidered costume and armour. The engraved image remains presentable. Fragile, with tears and small losses to the lower edge, tears to the upper corners and shorter tears to the side edges, together with creasing, age toning, wear and occasional light staining. Extensively attached to a later mount with old paper tape to the reverse. Good condition only.
A handsome portrait of Charles I, published in 1628, only three years after his accession to the throne. The portrait was engraved by the distinguished Dutch engraver Willem Jacobsz Delff after an original painting by Daniel Mytens, Charles I's principal court painter before the arrival of Van Dyck. The composition presents the young king at the beginning of his reign wearing the insignia of the Order of the Garter.
The inscription around the oval reads "RATIONI SI VIS OMNIA SUBICERE, TE SUBICE EI", translated as "If you wish to subject all things to reason, subject yourself to it." Intended as a princely maxim, it presents the ideal of a ruler governed by reason whilst reminding him that he must first submit himself to reason. In light of the constitutional struggles that later engulfed Charles's reign, the motto carries an unintended historical resonance.
The extensive Latin dedication beneath the portrait addresses Charles as "the most serene, most powerful and most excellent Prince, Charles, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith." Delff identifies himself as the engraver and dedicates the portrait to the king. The final line records that the engraving was issued under both royal privilege and the privilege of the States General for a period of eight years, is dated 1628, and concludes "Daniel Mytens pinxit", confirming that the original portrait was painted by Mytens.
A scarce portrait of Charles I, closely corresponding in size to the recorded institutional example in the National Portrait Gallery and offered here with condition issues as listed.