Armada Portrait

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Elizabeth_I_(Armada_Portrait).jpg)

Armada Portrait

  Name of Painter: George Gower
  Title of the Work: Armada
  Date it was painted: 1588
  Size : 133.5 x 105.5 cm
  Medium : Oil painting on an oak panel
  Stylistic Period: Elizabethan
http://www.woburnabbey.co.uk/abbey/art-and-the-collection/the-armada-portrait/

https://historyofeuropeanfashion.wordpress.com/

http://www.bridgemanimages.com/en-GB/asset/68921/gower-george-1540-96-attr

Here is the 'Armada Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth I. There are many points in this portrait which are symbolising all sorts of different things that were going on in that particular era.

Firstly, Queen Elizabeth is wearing a numerous amount of pearls around her neck. She loved her pearls just like her Mother did. It also shows a sign of virginity and purity. Pearls were known for showing purity especially.

Queen Elizabeth is known for her youthful look. She is around 55 years old in this portrait and yet still looks beautiful with her clear complexion, and bright coloured hair.

Elizabeth's posture is one of confidence and power. Through her posture, you can see feels in control and powerful.

It has been noticed by a man named David Dimbleby in a series called 'The Seven Ages of Britain' who pointed out the paintings on the window and what they could stand for. On the left hand side, you can see the Spanish Armada arriving into England, and on the right you can see the defeat of the Armada. This portrait could be a way of Elizabeth expressing her pride and success in protecting her nation.

Elizabeth's hand is so carefully placed upon the globe, in which you can see that it is hovering over America. This is where England were taking over them. Her fingers are also reaching out elsewhere which could be a symbol that she has such power over other parts of world.

"If you look at the right hand side of the painting, you can see that there is an egg shaped object above Elizabeth’s shoulder and in front of the window. It appears to be a pomegranate which symbolised fertility, abundance, generosity, union, prosperity, rebirth, resurrection and eternal life."

Queen Elizabeth is seen to be wearing a crown which clearly emphasises her power and royalty.


http://www.elizabethfiles.com/the-armada-portrait/3931/#ixzz3LCgpNBIY

http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw02077/Queen-Elizabeth-I#sitter