Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

Image credit: Compton Verney

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

This portrait was painted towards the end of the long reign of Elizabeth I (1533–1603), when she would have been in her late 50s. She is presented as an ageless symbol of the nation, with her face based on a pattern made when she was younger. Tudor portraiture relied on a rich layering of signs and symbols that were designed to be ‘read’ by the viewer. Elizabeth wears an open-worked crown representing her sovereignty, and beneath it is the great central diamond known as the ‘Mirror of Portugal’. She holds an ostrich feather fan and her dress is decorated with pearls, symbols of purity. On her bodice is a jewel in the form of a moon, evoking Diana, goddess of the hunt and of chastity. Although Elizabeth received many proposals of marriage, she remained single and was known as the ‘Virgin Queen’.

Compton Verney

Compton Verney

Title

Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

Date

c.1590

Medium

oil on panel

Measurements

H 114 x W 88 cm

Accession number

CVCSC : 0213.B

Acquisition method

purchased, 1996

Work type

Painting

Normally on display at

Compton Verney

Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue