What does the Ditchley portrait tell us about Elizabeth?

What does the Ditchley portrait tell us about Elizabeth?

This famous portrait was probably created for the pageant at Ditchley. Its symbolic theme is forgiveness as Elizabeth stands on the globe, signalling her divinely sanctioned right to rule as she banishes the stormy darkness.

What does the snake mean in the rainbow portrait?

The snake/serpent symbolizes fertility while the heart at the top right hanging from the snake symbolizes love. In Elizabeth’s hand it looks like she is holding a clear tube – this is indeed a rainbow, however the colors have faded from the portrait. She hold the rainbow in her hand.

What is Elizabeth holding in the Pelican portrait?

Elizabeth is shown holding a red rose, a symbol of the House of Tudor and she wears a heavy jewelled collar of a type worn by her father, King Henry VIII. The changes to the eyes, mouth and nose evident beneath the paint surface may indicate that the artist began this portrait first.

What symbols are in the Armada portrait?

Symbolism in the Armada Portrait

• Pearls. Pearls symbolise Elizabeth’s chastity and connect her to Cynthia, the Greek goddess of the Moon, who was a virgin and therefore seen as ‘pure’.
• Mermaid.
• Globe.
• Hair, ruff, and embroidery.
• Colour scheme.
• Sea scenes.
• Columns.
• The crown.

What symbols did Elizabeth use?

Her portraits have long since passed the time when they needed to show she was the rightful queen; Elizabeth is the monarch. She is also wearing pearls, a symbol of virginity….The Elizabeth I Rainbow Portrait.

Where is the Ditchley portrait now?

After his retirement in 1590 Lee lived at Ditchley with his mistress Anne Vavasour. The entertainment marked the Queen’s forgiveness of Lee for becoming a ‘stranger lady’s thrall’. The portrait shows Elizabeth standing on the globe of the world, with her feet on Oxfordshire.

Why is it called the Rainbow portrait?

The Rainbow Portrait (see title image), so-called because the queen grasps a rainbow in her right hand, was painted towards the end of Elizabeth’s reign, between 1600 and 1602 CE. It has been attributed to Isaac Oliver or Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger or Taddeo Zuccari.

What does no rainbow without the sun mean?

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

Why did Elizabeth 1 have so many portraits?

Knowing that it was not safe for her to travel around the country, Elizabeth chose to show herself to the people through portraits. At intervals throughout her reign she allowed portraits to be painted that would persuade people that she was a strong, pure and magnificent ruler.

What does Queen Elizabeth symbolize?

Her portraits have long since passed the time when they needed to show she was the rightful queen; Elizabeth is the monarch. She is also wearing pearls, a symbol of virginity. In her hand she holds a rainbow, a symbol of peace; she possesses peace….The Elizabeth I Rainbow Portrait.

Who lives at Ditchley Park?

The Lee family and their descendants, the Lee-Dillons, made Ditchley Park their home for three and a half centuries. The house is particularly likely to pique the interest of American visitors because it has both historic and current American associations.

Who painted the Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I?

A c. 1601 CE portrait of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1588-1603 CE). The Rainbow Portrait, so-called because the queen grasps a rainbow (symbol of peace) in her right hand, has been attributed to either Isaac Oliver or Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. (Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, England)

What is the significance of the Rainbow Portrait?

The Rainbow Portrait, c. 1600, attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger or Isaac Oliver, via Wikimedia Commons. In the portrait, Elizabeth wears a magnificent gown loaded with symbolism. The lining of her mantle bears eyes and ears, possibly showing her knowledge as omniscient within her realm.

What do the eyes and ears embroidered on Elizabeth’s dress mean?

This ‘rainbow portrait’ of Elizabeth is riddled with symbols: One not so subtle is the eyes and ear embroidered into her dress, probably a symbol that she sees and hears all. Who could doubt that with all the rebellions, plots and conspiracies she had survived?

What is the purpose of this portrait of Elizabeth I?

Overall, the purpose of this portrait is clear: to show the power and majesty of Elizabeth. Spain merchant ships continue to be plundered with Elizabeth’s support.