Called Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603), but really an Unknown Lady
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1590
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
889 x 699 mm (35 x 27 1/2 in)
Order this imageCollection
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
NT 1276857
Caption
Although the sitter in this portrait was traditionally identified as Elizabeth I, she bears little relation to known portraits of her. She is sumptuously dressed: the bodice of her dress is adorned with a ring and heart-shaped jewel; a watch and small key hang at her waist; her left arm is decorated with an elaborate sort of necklace studded with faces and jewels; and her head dress is made up of costly pearls. She is, therefore, a woman of noble birth. Since the picture came from Melton Constable, it is possible that the woman was from a grand family, local to the Astleys in Norfolk.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, Called Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603), but really an Unknown Lady, British (English) School, 1590s; Three-quarter length, standing, wearing a fine pink dress with chequered sleeves, and a narrow v-shaped bodice with a ring and heart-shaped jewel at the base of the ‘v’, a watch and small key hanging to the left of the waist, on her left arm, an elaborate necklace, a wide lace ruff, an elaborate pearl head dress; and holding a fan in her left hand.
Full description
This & ‘Darnley’ are in the same sort of heavy-scrolled giltwood frame, topped by the crowns of England and Scotland (King consort’s only) respectively. Could she be from a grand family local to the Astleys?
Provenance
Previously on loan from Lord Hasting.
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist