Elizabethan Portraits

Elizabeth I: The Rainbow Portrait, c1600, by Isaac Oliver. This portrait can be viewed at Hatfield House. Oliver was a pupil of Elizabeth's favourite court painter, Nicholas Hilliard, and the brother-in-law of Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. Some historians have argued that Gheeraerts painted this portrait, but most favor Oliver.

Elizabeth I: The Darnley Portrait, 1575, by an unknown artist. This portrait can be viewed at the NPG. I think this is one of the queen's most beautiful gowns, faithfully recreated in the BBC miniseries Elizabeth R. (The Ditchley, Armada, and coronation gowns are also recreated in the series.)

Elizabeth I: The Coronation Portrait, c1600, unknown artist; copy of a lost original. This portrait can be viewed at the NPG. This is a copy of the portrait made to commemorate Elizabeth's accession in 1558. It is a stunning and beautiful image. Elizabeth is lavishly dressed and holds the traditional orb and scepter. Her hair is loose, as befits her unmarried state, and its color is particularly striking against the white of her skin. And, once again, Elizabeth's much-admired hands are prominently displayed as they rest upon the symbols of her authority.

Elizabeth I: The Ditchley Portrait, c1592, by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. This is the largest surviving full-length portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, despite having 7.5 cm cut from each side. It is also one of the earliest works by Gheeraerts. His name may seem familiar; his father, Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder, painted the 'Peace Portrait' above. This famous work can be viewed at the NPG. There are numerous copies as well; in most, the queen's features are considerably softened.











References
All Pictures - Mongello, M. (2006) Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), with commentary. Available at: http://www.marileecody.com/eliz1-images.html (Accessed: 1 December 2015).