Paintings of Scottish Monarchs facts for kids

This article shows you some amazing colour paintings of Scottish monarchs! These paintings help us see what these important historical figures might have looked like, even though they lived hundreds of years ago. The first colour paintings of Scottish kings and queens began with James I. Before that, people mostly made black and white drawings or carvings.

James I (1406-1437)

James I was the King of Scots from 1406 to 1437. He was a very important ruler who worked to make Scotland stronger. This painting is one of the few colour images we have of him. It was created in the 1500s, long after he had passed away, but it gives us an idea of how people imagined him.

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  The only known painting of James I. It was painted in the 1500s. James I reigned from 1406 to 1437 as King of Scots.

James II (1437-1460)

James II became King of Scots in 1437 and ruled until 1460. He was known for being a strong leader, even though he became king when he was very young. These paintings show him at different times. One portrait might even show him when he was a young king!

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  A painting of James II from the 1600s. He reigned from 1437 to 1460.

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  This portrait of James II was likely made during his early years as king, while he was still alive.

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  A black and white version of the painting, showing more detail and a castle room background.

James III (1460-1488)

James III was King of Scots from 1460 to 1488. His time as king had many challenges, but these paintings help us remember him. Like many portraits from this era, this one was painted in the 1600s, long after his reign.

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  James III, who reigned from 1460 to 1488. This painting was made in the 1600s.

James IV (1488-1513)

James IV ruled Scotland from 1488 to 1513. He was a popular king who loved learning and the arts. He also played a big role in Scottish history. One of these paintings might even show him around the time he became king!

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  James IV, who reigned from 1488 to 1513. This painting was made in the 1600s.

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  James IV with a bird. This painting was made in the 1400s during his reign. It might be his coronation portrait.

James V (1513-1542)

James V was King of Scots from 1513 to 1542. He was the father of the famous Mary, Queen of Scots. These paintings show him at different ages, including one with his wife, Mary of Guise. They give us a glimpse into his life.

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  James V, the artist and date of this painting are unknown, but it was made before 1933.

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  A portrait of James V from 1536, six years before he passed away.

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  James V shown with his wife, Mary of Guise.

Mary I (1542-1567)

Mary I, also known as Mary, Queen of Scots, became queen in 1542 when she was just a baby. She had a very dramatic life and is one of Scotland's most famous monarchs. These paintings show her at different times, even during her time in captivity.

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  A portrait of Mary, painted between 1560 and 1592.

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  A portrait of Mary from 1578.

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  Mary, Queen of Scots, while in captivity, around 1575.

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  Mary painted around 1560, in mourning for her husband, King Francis II.

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  A portrait of Mary painted between 1561 and 1567.

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  A portrait of Mary I, Queen of Scots, from 1559, around the time of her husband Francis II's death.

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  A miniature painting from between 1578 and 1579.

James VI (1567-1603)

James VI became King of Scots in 1567. He later also became King of England in 1603, uniting the crowns of both countries. This means he was known as James VI of Scotland and James I of England. These paintings show him from when he was a child all the way to his later years as king of both nations.

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  A painting of James VI as a young person, from 1583.

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  A painting of James VI as King of England, around 1604.

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  James VI, shown at 19 years old.

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  James VI, most likely as king of both England and Scotland.

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  A portrait from around the 1600s.

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  A portrait from around 1618-1620.

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  James VI as a child.

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  One of the last portraits of James, painted in 1621.

Later Monarchs

The main series of paintings focusing only on Scottish monarchs usually ends here. However, if you want to see paintings of monarchs who ruled both Scotland and England after James VI, you can look at the article about Paintings of British Monarchs.