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Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603) carefully controlled her image, whether it be through costume, processions, literature, coinage, or the annual festivities organised to celebrate her succession. In an age where few would ever see their monarch in person, portraits were an especially powerful form of communication and one which the Virgin Queen used to full effect, packing them with symbolism and ensuring the legend she had created in her own lifetime would endure for centuries thereafter.
Here we present some of the most famous of the Elizabeth portraits, often commissioned from the most celebrated artists of the day. We also examine the hidden meaning of the clothes, jewellery, and objects that combined to present the queen as a semi-divine figure who ruled her kingdom only for the good of its people. The portraits are presented in this gallery in chronological sequence, even if the aging of the subject is only very subtle across her 44-year reign.
The c. 1574 CE 'Pelican Portrait' by Nicholas Hilliard of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE). The portrait takes its name from the brooch the queen is wearing over her dress studded with pearls and square-cut jewels. The pelican was a symbol of charity and redemption since, when necessity required, the mother bird pierces her own chest so that her young may feed on her blood. The queen is, therefore, demonstrating her sacrifice in ruling, unmarried, uniquely for the good of her people. The Tudor Rose, symbol of Elizabeth's family dynasty, can be seen on the left, and on the right is the fleur-de-lis, representing England's ongoing claim to the French throne. Above both symbols is an arched imperial crown.
Based on Wikipedia content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished.
Original image by Nicholas Hilliard. Uploaded by Mark Cartwright, published on 22 May 2020. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Public Domain. This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.
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