The Armada Portrait:
One of Queen Elizabeths 1st most popular portraits which she's against a backdrop representing teh defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. English art during this time was isolated from trends in Catholic Italy, and The Armada Portrait is no different: the chair to the right is viewed from two different angles, as are the tables on the left, and the background shows two different stages in the defeat of the Armada. On a secondary level, it shows Elizabeth turning her back on teh storm an darkness while she looks at the sunlight.
The Queen's hand also rests of the globe and her fingers covering the Americas, indicating England's dominion of the seas and plans for the New World. Andrew Belsey and Catherine Belset have pointed out the striking geometry of the painting, with the repeating patterns of circles and arches described by the crown, the globe, the sleeves, ruff and the gown worn by the Queen. They also contrast from the large pearls symbolising that she's a virgin queen and the mermaid carved on the chair of the state, representing female wiles luring sailors to their doom.
The Rainbow Portrait:
Elizabeth stands before a dark archway holding a rainbow above which is inscribed the Latin motto "Non Sine Sole Iris" meaning no rainbow without a sun. On her arm, a serpent which is embroidered on Elizabeth's sleeve with a heart shaped ruby in its mouth. The serpent is thought to represent wisdom and the ruby Elizabeth's heart, implying that the Queen's wisdom controls her emotion. Eyes and ears are also found on the fabric of Elizabeth's dress clearly implying a sense of omniscience; as queen, she was able to hear and see all.
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