Engraving of James I, as king. Whole length equestrian figure with closed ruff, embroidered doublet, and order on a ribbon around neck. With left hand on hip and right holding the reins. The horse, with plumed head piece, stands on its back two legs, with its front two raised. With a view of London and Westminster in the background. English inscription in cartouche above and with coat of arms to the left. Below, laudatory English verses and creators' details.

One of a set of three engravings of James I, Queen Anne, and Charles I on horseback published by Compton Holland. These portraits, and the engraving of Charles I as Prince of Wales, not in the Royal Collection, were executed by Francis Delaram, while the corresponding print of Queen Anne (see RCIN 601438) was engraved by Simon de Passe. Each portrait shows a member of the Royal family with a view of a royal residence in the background; James I by Westminster, Queen Anne with a view of Windsor Castle, and Charles I by Richmond.

Shakespeare's Globe theatre can be seen behind the King. Soon after James VI of Scotland came to England as James I in 1603 he made the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company which Shakespeare part-owned, the King's Men. As the King's own players, Shakespeare and the rest of the company were part of James's household, entitled to wear his livery and to march in his Coronation procession. Shakespeare wrote plays such as Macbeth with the King's interests and court performance in mind.

Not in O'Donoghue