14/11/2024

Elizabeth I when a Princess


Elizabeth I when a Princess is a portrait of the english queen that is attributed to the flemish artist William Scrots. It was painted around 1546 to 1547 when Elizabeth was 13 years old.

The painting depicts Queen Elizabeth I of England in her teenage days, long before her ascent to the throne. She wears a red dress and that is richly decorated with pearls. The colours of her clothing are the royal colours of England. The painting wants to present Elizabeth as a worthy member of the Tudor dynasty. Despite her young age, she is unafraid to look us straight in the eyes.

Elizabeth holds a book in her hands and behind her is another book that lies open. The artwork tries to impress upon us the idea that she is a wise and learned princess. 

Of course, we today look at this work of art with hindsight. We know that Elizabeth will become a great queen, but at the time of the making of this portrait nothing about her future was certain.

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