Paul Vansomer Collection

Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, c1600, (1942). Creator: Paulus van Somer
Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, c1600, (1942). Portrait of author, playwright and poet Mary Sidney Herbert (1561-1621)

Charles I (1600-1649) when Prince of Wales, 1619-1621. Creators: Hendrick van Steenwijck the Elder, Daniel Mytens
Charles I (1600-1649) when Prince of Wales, 1619-1621

James I, 1620, (1943). Creator: Unknown
James I, 1620, (1943). Portrait of James I and VI (1566-1625), King of England and Scotland. James sponsored the publication of the King James Version of the Bible

Lodowick Stuart, Duke of Richmond. From the original of Van Somer, in the collection
Lodowick Stuart, Duke of Richmond, (early-mid 19th century). Portrait of Scottish nobleman and politician Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and 1st Duke of Richmond (1574-1624)

Francis, Lord Cottington, (early-mid 19th century). Creator: John Cochran
Francis, Lord Cottington, (early-mid 19th century). Portrait of English statesman Francis Cottington, 1st Baron Cottington (1578-1652), Lord High treasurer

King James I and VI. 1603, (1904). Artist: Paulus van Somer
King James I. and VI. 1603, (1904). James VI and I (19 June 1566 - 27 March 1625) was King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England

King James I of England and VI. of Scotland, 1620, (1904). Artist: Paulus van Somer
King James I of England and VI. of Scotland, 1620, (1904). James I and VI (1566-1625), King of England and Scotland. From the Royal Collection Trust, Windsor Castle. From James I. and VI, by T. F

Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans, c1600, (1904). Artist: Paulus van Somer
Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans, c1600, (1904). From James I. and VI, by T. F. Henderson. [Goupil & Co. Paris, Edinburgh, New York, London, 1904]

James I. (Hampton Court Palace), c1620, (1903). Artist: Paulus van Somer
James I. (Hampton Court Palace), c1620, (1903). James I and VI (1566-1625). The portrait is part of the Royal Collection Trust, Windsor Castle. From Social England, Volume IV, edited by H.D

Anne of Denmark, Queen of England, Wife of James 1st, 19th century. Artist: Edmund Thomas Parris
Anne of Denmark, Queen of England, Wife of James 1st, 19th century. After Paul van Somer (c1577-1621). From The Connoisseur Volume VI. [Otto Limited, London, 1903]

James I of England, 17th century. Artist: George Vertue
James I of England, 17th century. Portrait of King James (1566-1625), the first King of Great Britain. He ruled in Scotland as James VI from 1567

Lady Arabella Stuart, Duchess of Somerset, (1826). Artist: TA Dean
Lady Arabella Stuart, Duchess of Somerset, (1826). Portrait of Lady Arabella (1575-1615) wearing an elaborate lace ruff. The Duchess was an English Renaissance noblewoman who was considered a

James, 2nd Marquis of Hamilton, (1828). Artist: Paulus van Somer
James, 2nd Marquis of Hamilton, (1828). Hamilton (1589-1625) was a Scottish politician

James I, King of England and Scotland, 1860. Artist: WJ Edwards
James I, King of England and Scotland, 1860. James (1566-1625) became King of Scotland in 1567 and England in 1601. The son of Mary Queen of Scots

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"Paul Van Somer: Capturing the Faces of Royalty and Nobility" Step into the world of Paul Van Somer, a talented artist whose brushstrokes brought to life the prominent figures of his time. Born in the early 17th century, Van Somer's artistry captured the essence and grandeur of his subjects. One such subject was Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke. In his painting from c1600, he immortalized her grace and elegance for generations to admire. Another masterpiece by Van Somer is his portrayal of James I in 1620. With meticulous attention to detail, he depicted the king's regal presence that commanded respect. Van Somer also painted Lodowick Stuart, Duke of Richmond, showcasing his skill in capturing not only physical likeness but also personality. His work on Francis Lord Cottington demonstrates how he could convey depth and emotion through portraiture. Among Van Somer's notable works are two paintings featuring King James I himself. The first from 1603 showcases him as both King James I of England and VI of Scotland—a testament to Van Somer's ability to capture historical significance within a single frame. The second painting portrays James I at Hampton Court Palace around 1620 with an air of authority befitting a monarch. In addition to royalty, Van Somer turned his attention towards influential individuals like Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans. Through this portrait from c1600, we glimpse into Bacon's intellectual prowess and enigmatic persona. Van Somer's talent extended beyond portraits; he also depicted Anne of Denmark—Queen consort to James I—with utmost reverence in a piece created during the 19th century by Edmund Thomas Parris. Furthermore, George Vertue entrusted him with capturing James I once again during the 17th century—an indication that artists recognized Van Sommer as one who could truly encapsulate their subjects' essence.