Reiterporträt von Karl I., König von England

Equestrian Portrait of Charles I

Charles I appointed Van Dyck as his court painter in 1632. In this majestic portrait the king wears the insignia of the Order of the Garter on a gold chain and holds his commander's baton.

The portrait proclaims him as king of Great Britain, that is, of a united England, Wales and Scotland: hanging on the tree behind him is a tablet inscribed CAROLUS REX MAGNAE BRITANNIAE (Charles, King of Great Britain).

The title had been assumed by his father who became James I of Great Britain and Ireland in 1603. Charles I's attempt to rule without parliament led to civil war and ultimately his execution in 1649.