Symbolism within Elizabeth portraits

Elizabeth portraits 

Elizabeth I was expert at what we now call public relations, and she was careful to control the distribution of images of herself. Elizabeth often only wanted portraits that portrayed her as youthful, demonstrated her love for her country, her people and her own strength as Queen. Portraits from within this period are full of Renaissance symbolism 

THE ARMADA 

PORTRAIT

This portrait of Elizabeth I is attributed to George Gower in 1588 and is an oil painting on an oak panel. It is known as 'The Armada Portrait' because it commemorates the great sea battle of 1588 when the English fleet defeated the invading Spanish Armada sent to overthrow Elizabeth. The view of the battle in the two windows behind the Queen conveys messages of Elizabeth's victory

The Armada Portrait is a statement of power and authority with Queen Elizabeth I portrayed as Empress of the world and commander of the seas.

This is probably the most iconic portrait of Elizabeth the Virgin Queen. Her hand is firmly on the globe which shows her power is beyond England but across the world. The Imperial crown reflects her power, position, royalty and majesty, also her equality with the Holy Roman Emperor and her status as Empress of the world; whilst the mermaid hints seen in the window portraits behind her show her as command of the seas. Her dress, is in her preferred colours of black and white, also proclaims her wealth and class and is covered with her favourite gems and precious pearls from the sea, a sign of virginity.

ref = http://www.elizabethfiles.com/the-armada-portrait/3931/

Rainbow portrait  

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This idealized portrait of Queen Elizabeth of England by Isaac Oliver was painted around 1600, a few years before she died.

In this portrait, Elizabeth's gown is embroidered with English wildflowers, thus allowing the queen to pose in the guise of Astraea, the virginal heroine of classical literature. Her cloak is decorated with eyes and ears, implying that she sees and hears all. Her headdress is an incredible design decorated lavishly with pearls and rubies and supports her royal crown. The pearls symbolize her virginity; the crown, of course, symbolizes her royalty. Pearls also adorn the transparent veil which hangs over her shoulders. Above her crown is a crescent-shaped jewel which alludes to Cynthia, the goddess of the moon.

A jewelled serpent is entwined along her left arm, and holds from its mouth a heart-shaped ruby. Above its head is a celestial sphere. The serpent symbolizes wisdom; it has captured the ruby, which in turn symbolizes the queen's heart. In other words, the queen's passions are controlled by her wisdom. The celestial sphere echoes this theme; it symbolizes wisdom and the queen's royal command over nature.

Elizabeth's right hand holds a rainbow with the Latin inscription 'Non sine sole iris' ('No rainbow without the sun'). The rainbow symbolizes peace, and the inscription reminds viewers that only the queen's wisdom can ensure peace and prosperity.

Ref = http://www.gogmsite.net/

ca. 1600 "Rainbow" portrait by Isaac Oliver (Hatfield House, Hatfield UK)