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Queen Elizabeth I

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Queen Elizabeth I

by Crispijn de Passe the Elder, after Isaac Oliver
line engraving, 1603 or after
13 5/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (347 mm x 227 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D25180

Sitterback to top

  • Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), Reigned 1558-1603. Sitter associated with 135 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Crispijn de Passe the Elder (circa 1565-1637), Engraver, draughtsman and print publisher. Artist associated with 36 portraits.
  • Isaac Oliver (circa 1565-1617), Miniature painter. Artist associated with 72 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1603back to top

Current affairs

Death of Queen Elizabeth I at Richmond. She names King James VI of Scotland as her successor in her final moments. The Stuart dynasty begins with his accession as King James I of England.
Sir Walter Ralegh is implicated in a plot to prevent King James I's succession. He is found guilty of High Treason and imprisoned.

Art and science

William Shakespeare writes Troilus and Cressida, Measure for Measure and Othello at about his time.
The poet and lexicographer John Florio publishes his English translation of the French writer Michel de Montaigne's Essais.
Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk begins construction of Audley End, Essex. Completed in 1616, it is the largest private residence in England.

International

Tokugawa Ieyasu confirms his rule of Japan by receiving the title of shogun from the emperor. The Tokugawa shogunate will rule Japan until 1867.
In Ireland, Charles Blount, Lord Deputy of Ireland, defeats the Irish ending the Nine Years' War with Ireland. Blount signs the Treaty of Mellifont with Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, leader of the Irish resistance, obtaining Tyrone's acceptance of the English monarchy's authority.

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