Queen Elizabeth I
(1533-1603), Reigned 1558-1603Sitter associated with 138 portraits
The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth came to the throne on the death of her half-sister, Mary I. Her long reign, beginning in 1558, saw the secure establishment of the Church of England. It was characterised by relative peace and prosperity, a great increase in foreign trade and exploration, and a flourishing literary culture. Despite receiving many proposals of marriage, Elizabeth remained single and became legendary as the 'virgin queen'. She had many favourites, but none more important than Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, who sought to win her hand in marriage.
More on Queen Elizabeth I: Who do you think you were? game | Elizabeth I and Her People exhibition
Explore the portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II (NPG D48090) from all angles
probably after William Scrots
photograph of painting, late 19th-early 20th century (circa 1546-1547)
NPG D31844
Queen Elizabeth I as patroness of Geography and Astronomy
by Emery Walker Ltd, after Remigius Hogenberg
collotype, early 20th century (1579)
NPG D31837
probably after William Scrots
photogravure, circa 1900-1906 (circa 1546-1547)
NPG D31842
after Unknown artist
photograph of painting, before 1914 (circa 1575)
NPG D31846
probably after William Scrots
photogravure, published 1905 (circa 1546-1547)
NPG D31843
after William Rogers, probably after Isaac Oliver
reproduction of engraving, mid 20th century (circa 1592)
NPG D31850
published by John Player & Sons, after Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger
colour relief halftone cigarette card, 1935
NPG D48137
after William Rogers
photograph of engraving, 1950s (1589)
NPG D31851
Queen Elizabeth I ('Where History Lingers: Canterbury)
by Claude Buckle, printed by Jordison & Co Ltd, published by The Railway Executive (Southern Region)
chromolithograph poster, 1952
NPG D48088
Queen Elizabeth I; Queen Elizabeth II
designed by Charles Noke, and Harry Fenton, manufactured by Doulton & Co Ltd
coloured and glazed earthenware, 1953
On display in Room 13 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG D48090
after Unknown artist
photograph of painting, circa 1955 (late 16th century)
NPG D31847
National Portrait Gallery Extension
by Michael Heath
pen and ink, 2000
NPG D21631
manufactured by Mattel Inc
moulded plastic, card and acrylic, 2004
NPG D48092
by Crispyn van den Queborne, published by H. Jacopsen (Jacobsen), after Isaac Oliver
engraving, published 1618
NPG D20060
by Crispyn van den Queborne, after Isaac Oliver
line engraving, 1625
NPG D20098
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