Adrian Vanson facts for kids
Adrian Vanson (died around 1602) was a talented portrait artist. He worked for James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England. Vanson was known for painting important people during his time.
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Adrian Vanson's Early Life and Art Connections
Adrian Vanson was likely born in Breda, a city in what is now the Netherlands. His father was Willem Claesswen van Son. Adrian had a relative, Peter Matheeusen, who was also a painter in London.
Peter Matheeusen left some interesting things to Adrian in his will in 1588. These included portraits of Peter's parents and himself. He also left Adrian a book called The Arte concerning Lymning, which was about painting. Peter also left money to other famous artists like Isaac Oliver and Rowland Lockey.
When Adrian worked in Edinburgh, he signed his name "Adrian Van Son". His relative, Abraham Vanson, was a goldsmith in Edinburgh. Abraham married Jonet Gilbert, whose uncle, Michael Gilbert, was a rich goldsmith.
Adrian Vanson's Career in Scotland
Adrian Vanson's first known artworks for King James VI in Scotland were two paintings. These were sent to Theodore Beza in Geneva in 1581. The paintings were portraits of John Knox and George Buchanan. They were meant to be used as woodcuts in Beza's book, Icones, but arrived too late.
Later, in 1582, Mary, Queen of Scots, wrote about a new portrait of James VI. She mentioned it in a secret code message to the French ambassador. This portrait was probably different from earlier ones.
Vanson might have been "Lord Seton's painter." This painter was recorded drawing portraits for coins in Edinburgh in 1582. Vanson also painted designs on banners for the king's trumpeters. He painted the Danish royal family's symbols on banners for the coronation of Anne of Denmark.
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In May 1584, Adrian Vanson became the "King's painter" in Scotland. He took over from Arnold Bronckhorst. His yearly payment was £100. When he became a citizen of Edinburgh in 1585, people hoped he would teach his painting skills to others. However, there are no records of him having students.
Some portraits believed to be by Vanson include those of James VI, Anne of Denmark, and Agnes Douglas, Countess of Argyll. A famous portrait of James VI from around 1585 is still at Edinburgh castle. Some of his other paintings are known through copies made later.
The Main Painter in Edinburgh
In April 1586, Mary, Queen of Scots, asked for a full-size portrait of James VI. In May, a French ambassador promised to get her a copy of a recent portrait of James VI. He said it was from the "only painter in Edinburgh," which likely meant Vanson. It is believed that the portrait at Edinburgh Castle was made by Vanson for a special trip to Denmark.
Maitland and a Hidden Portrait
A portrait of John Maitland by Vanson was found at Ham House. In 2016, experts discovered that this painting was done over an earlier image of Mary, Queen of Scots. This means Vanson painted Maitland's portrait on top of Mary's.
Prince Henry's Portraits and Gold Medals
When Prince Henry was christened in August 1594, portraits of him were given to important visitors. King James VI also had gold medals made with his and Anne of Denmark's portraits. He gave these medals to ambassadors in September 1594. Vanson likely designed these medals. James VI even gave Vanson one of these valuable medals.
Portraits of Anne of Denmark
In October 1597, Christian IV of Denmark asked for full-length portraits of James VI and Anne of Denmark. He wanted to add them to his collection of family pictures. It's not known if these portraits were sent.
In December 1601, Vanson was paid £20 Scots for a portrait of Anne of Denmark. Around the same time, a goldsmith named George Heriot made a small portrait of James on a chain. This was a gift for an ambassador from the queen's uncle.
Vanson also worked with other painters in 1604 on a special arch for the king's grand entry into London. The exact date of his death is not known. After he died, his wife, Susanna, asked the king for money that was still owed to Adrian for his work.
Adrian Vanson's Family and Community
Adrian Vanson married Susanna de Colonia in Dordrecht in 1577. Susanna became a successful businesswoman in Edinburgh. Her brother, Adam de Colone, was also a portrait painter. Their father was a saddle maker.
Adrian and Susanna had several children, including:
- Adrian Vanson (christened in 1595)
- Susanna Vanson
- James Vanson
- Frederick Vanson
Vanson also helped the Flemish ambassador, Adrian Damman, with some shipping problems in 1594. They helped release a skipper from prison and helped two sailors who had their ship taken.
Images for kids
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John Knox from Beza's Icones, after Adrian Vanson
