This portrait of Dardanus is a nineteenth century copy of a de Wet painting. The original was from a series of 111 portraits of Scottish monarchs painted by Jacob de Wet for the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Commissioned by Charles II in 1684, the series illustrates both real and legendary kings, from Fergus I (330 BC) to Charles II. The artist agreed to spend two years on the project for a payment of £120 per year. The portrait of James VII was added after the death of Charles II in 1685. The series was essentially a political statement to promote the long line of the Stuart dynasty in the newly built royal palace. The monarch is depicted within a painted oval, his head turned slightly to the right. He has been portrayed wearing a russet cloak pinned to his right shoulder with an oval brooch and a white shirt visible between slashed sleeves. The collar at the neck of the figure is decorated with round jewels. The King is painted with a beard and moustache.