VERY CURIOUS ALLEGORICAL PORTRAIT, BY UNKNOWN PAINTER

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

I've been reading "Elizabeth the Great", about Queen Elizabeth I of England, by Elizabeth Jenkins, and got interested in the many portraits of her, throughout her long life.

A lot of them show her in her prime, or at least looking quite spritely:

And some show her near the end of her life.

But look at this one, called the Allegorical Portrait by Unknown Painter, which became available after 1610, after she had died (which happened in 1603):

Whoa, it's so honest for its depiction of a ruler bearing the "cares of state". She has Father Time beside her on the left, and Death looking over her shoulder on the right side of portrait.

The little cherubs aren't crowning her, apparently-- they are removing her Queen's crown to reveal her as only a princess, apparently!

This must be a reference to the fact that before, and even after the beginning of her reign, she was held to be illegitimate by some, since the marriage between Henry VIII and her mother, Anne Boleyn, had been annulled. So she had to fight for her claims to the throne, and almost lost.

The painter didn't release the painting to public view until after her death, possibly fearing reprisals for his candor, ha.

But I think it is an amazing work, especially for that time and place.

I see someone still with the sharpness of her renowned intelligence looking out of those huge eyes, but, very tired, and no longer interested in projecting all the accoutrements of power as seen in other portraits...

spiderw · ‎06-14-2010

What a fascinating portrait depicting how Elizabeth must have felt after her long reign as Queen. The responsibilities alone took their toll and showed in her expression, so weary of it all. Aside from father time and death in the portrait, Elizabeth's facial expression tells the tale. What an extraordinary painting.

I always noticed after the President's four years of leadership how they age also, just a side comment.

PamfromCT · ‎05-22-2014

I don’t pretend to be an expert, but perhaps her crown is being removed for another reason? In death we are all supposed to be equals. I don’t think earthly royalty will

continue in the afterlife.

justashopper · ‎03-21-2010

Hi @Oznell

Thank you for sharing. Fascinating.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

Astute insightful observations . These painting are revealing. The regalia is proper and formal in the first painting. Her face hints at a fierce, stoic, and determined Queen. Your comments would suggest these traits are accurate as she was challenged regarding her reign.

The second painting is so subjective for the era and I'm wondering if the withholding of the reveal until after her death was made at her request. Her reign is coming to an end and her pensive face is a reflection of a weariness and wonder of the challenges met throughout her life....was it worth it and an acceptance of her impending transition. Rarely was such emotion displayed in these formal portraits....stunning and shocking for the time.

Thanks @Oznell....a thought provoking post.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

Agreed, @PamfromCT , we're all equals. But for some reason, the article I read on it was assuming she was still alive when the portrait was painted, (although it was not released till later), and therefore, they were saying that the cherubs removing the crown was a political dig of some kind ( I thought).

But your idea, that at least in preparation for death, (and with 'him' already breathing down her neck in the painting!), you could well have the interpretation that the crown's removal was indeed, preparation for the entry to the afterlife. Interesting point!