Elizabeth of York

Sitterback to top

• Elizabeth of York (1466-1503), Queen of Henry VII. Sitter associated with 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6232 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The daughter of Edward IV, Elizabeth married Henry VII in 1486, an act which reconciled moderate Yorkist opposition to the Tudor dynasty. Four of their seven children survived infancy: Arthur, Henry (later Henry VIII), Margaret (later Queen of Scotland), and Mary (later Queen of France and subsequently Duchess of Suffolk). In this portrait, which was made a considerable time after her death, Elizabeth is shown holding a white rose, the symbol of the House of York. Around her neck is a pendant, combining rubies and pearls in the shape of the Tudor rose, symbolising the reconcilation of the Houses of York and Lancaster effected by her marriage.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Gittings, Clare, The National Portrait Gallery Book of The Tudors, 2006, p. 5
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 203
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 97
• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 86
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 85

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery