Queen Elizabeth I

Sitterback to top

• Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), Reigned 1558-1603. Sitter associated with 125 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown English artist. Artist associated with 10 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait dates from the early years of Elizabeth's reign when she was in her late-twenties or early-thirties. It was painted before she became associated with the more complex emblems of virginity that are often found in later portraits, and when she was still expected to enter into marriage. Recent technical analysis has shown that the background of this portrait was originally a vibrant shade of blue which has now faded to a pale brown. This is due to the presence of an unstable blue pigment called 'smalt'. The Queen's features have been sketched out over a pale pink ground and then painted over in one thin layer. Some of the under drawing is still just visible beneath the paint layer. It may have hung originally as part of a group of royal portraits acting as a painted record of English monarchy.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Clare Gittings, The National Portrait Gallery Book of Elizabeth I, 2006, p. 7
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 200
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 100

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Concealed and Revealed: The Changing Faces of Elizabeth I (13 March 2010 - 26 September 2010)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery