Why were portraits so important to Elizabeth?
She chose, instead, to use portraits to show herself to her people. It was, therefore, essential that the portraits showed an image of Elizabeth that would impress her subjects. At intervals throughout her reign, the government issued portraits of Elizabeth that were to be copied and distributed throughout the land.
What does the Ditchley portrait tell us about Elizabeth?
This famous portrait was probably created for the pageant at Ditchley. Its symbolic theme is forgiveness as Elizabeth stands on the globe, signalling her divinely sanctioned right to rule as she banishes the stormy darkness.
Why did Elizabeth 1 have so many portraits?
Knowing that it was not safe for her to travel around the country, Elizabeth chose to show herself to the people through portraits. At intervals throughout her reign she allowed portraits to be painted that would persuade people that she was a strong, pure and magnificent ruler.
What is the significance of the Armada portrait?
The iconic Armada portrait commemorates the most famous conflict of Elizabeth I’s reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in summer 1588.
What symbols did Elizabeth use?
Her portraits have long since passed the time when they needed to show she was the rightful queen; Elizabeth is the monarch. She is also wearing pearls, a symbol of virginity….The Elizabeth I Rainbow Portrait.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ermine Fox | Virginity |
| Sword of State | Justice |
| Sun / Bright skies | Bringer of peace and plenty |
Why are portraits of Elizabeth so different?
The portrait of Elizabeth that can be seen at first glance was virtually all painted in the eighteenth century. The queen’s face and hair have been altered in keeping with eighteenth-century standards of beauty and style; her face has been made rounder and younger, and her hair has been repainted in ringlets.
What is the rainbow portrait?
‘Perhaps the most colourful Tudor portrait, full of inventive iconography. ‘ Elizabeth holds a rainbow with the inscription “Non sine sole iris”, “No rainbow without the sun”, reminding viewers only the Queen’s wisdom can ensure peace and prosperity.
Who lives at Ditchley Park?
The Lee family and their descendants, the Lee-Dillons, made Ditchley Park their home for three and a half centuries. The house is particularly likely to pique the interest of American visitors because it has both historic and current American associations.
Why did Queen Elizabeth 1 paint her face white?
It is known however that she contracted smallpox in 1562 which left her face scarred. She took to wearing white lead makeup to cover the scars.
What is symbolism in portraiture?
She is also wearing pearls, a symbol of virginity. In her hand she holds a rainbow, a symbol of peace; she possesses peace. Another common symbol of monarchy (and indeed life) is the symbol of the sun….The Elizabeth I Rainbow Portrait.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gloves | Elegance |
| Dogs | Faithfulness |
| Snakes | Cunning |
What symbols are in the Armada portrait?
Symbolism in the Armada Portrait
- Pearls. Pearls symbolise Elizabeth’s chastity and connect her to Cynthia, the Greek goddess of the Moon, who was a virgin and therefore seen as ‘pure’.
- Mermaid.
- Globe.
- Hair, ruff, and embroidery.
- Colour scheme.
- Sea scenes.
- Columns.
- The crown.
Why was the Rose used in Elizabeth I’s portrait?
The Tudor rose was used in Queen Elizabeth I’s portraits to refer to the Tudor dynasty and the unity it brought to the realm. The rose also had religious connotations, as the medieval symbol of the Virgin Mary.
What does the ermine mean in Elizabeth’s Portrait?
1. The ermine. Ermine represents royalty and nobility along with purity. 2. The pearls. This time the pearls look black to me. Black pearls represent wealth and prosperity. 3. The Sword of State.
What was the painting of Elizabeth I known for?
Spain merchant ships continue to be plundered with Elizabeth’s support. This portrait of Elizabeth I is commonly known as the Armada Portrait. Elizabeth I sits richly dressed, as a battle commences behind her. The painter has clearly cast Elizabeth in an extremely attractive light, alluding to victory, majesty, conquest and purity in the painting.
What does the crown on Elizabeth I’s head mean?
In the Woburn Abbey and National Portrait Gallery version of the Armada Portrait you can see classical columns in the background. These are thought to allude to the pillars of Hercules, the westernmost point of the classical world. The imperial crown depicted in the painting is often suggested to signify the pursuit of empire.