Willem de Passe (1598-1636) (artist and engraver)
James by the Grace of God King of Great Britannie etc. Henrii by Ye Grace of God Prince of Wales
George Fearebeard, London: 1621
Uncolored engraving
14.5 x 10 inches, sheet
11.75 x 8 inches, image
$650

Print in memory of Henry, Prince of Wales, made nine years after his death at the age of 18 in 1612. He is shown with his father, James Stuart (1566-1625), who held the titles of King James VI of Scotland and King James I of England. James is seated in a Baroque throne, Henry is standing, and both of them rest their hands on skulls, to signify that Henry has been visited by death. A eulogistic poem is printed below the picture asserting that the prince's soul now resides in Heaven but that he will not be forgotten, "that though dead the world may sound thy name." Prince Henry, the eldest son of James and Anne of Denmark, became Prince of Wales in 1610. After his death he was succeeded by his brother, the future Charles I.

Wilhelm de Passe (also known as Willem van de Passe) was part of a Dutch family of engravers and print publishers, who worked extensively in northern Europe. In 1621, the year this print was made, he moved to London, where he specialized in portraiture, including royal portraits like this one. He also produced book illustrations and title pages.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, soiling, wear, soft creases.

References:

"About the Prince: The Prince's Role," U.K.: St. James's Palace and the Press Association Ltd, 1999 http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/about/role/prevprinces.html

"Willem van de Passe," The Grove Dictionary of Art, New York: Macmillan, 2000, http://www.artnet.com/library/06/0656/T065691.asp