Elizabethan Portraiture and Symbolism

Portraits of Elizabeth I can be found in so many different places. It was important to her how she was viewed by the world so each portrait had to be perfect. Elizabeth only sat for certain artists and if she was not happy with the portrait then it would be destroyed and never seen. All portraits of her reflect her regal status. Within the Elizabethan era every painting communicated to the public by using symbolism. Symbolism was used so that even the poor could view the portraits and understand the meaning behind it. 
For example in the portrait on the left Elizabeth is standing on a map of the world. This symbolises that she rules and dominates the world. 

Symbols

Jewels- Symbolise purity and wealth

Crown - Royalty/shows that she is the queen

Tudor rose - The tudor rose had religious connotations as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. It can be seen in many portraits of Elizabeth and also symbolises virginity. 

Pelican - Symbol of devotion and her motherly love towards the people of her country. It is believed that pelicans plucked their own breasts to help feed their young. 

Phoenix - A symbol of Elizabeth's longevity to the throne and her country. It is a mythological bird that never dies and only one is alive at the time. 

Ermine - Symbol of purity as well as being a status symbol. Only royalty would be seen wearing ermine. 

Olive branches -  Symbolise peace. 

Colours  

Purple - A man or woman wearing purple would be a member of royalty

Gold/silver/scarlet/violet - only worn by the highest nobility in the country.

Contemporary Symbolism in Portraits

Queen Elizabeth II

by Michael Leonard
acrylic on cotton duck, 1985-1986
30 in. x 24 1/4 in. 

Symbolism can also be seen throughout modern day paintings. It is often seen in portraits of the royal family showing their wealth and power over the country. In this recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II a range of different symbols can be seen. Firstly, she can be seen sat with one of her corgi's. In portraiture a dog is a symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. This can be interpreted as the dogs faithfulness to her as well as the Queens loyalty to her country.  I feel the way in which the dog is positioned in the painting shows protection over her. She can be seen wearing a pendant and a pearl necklace and earings. This symbolisises her wealth and power. Finally, the colours used in portraits convey large amounts of meaning to the audience. She can be seen wearing a yellow dress which is a symbol of happiness, enlightenment and intelligence. Colour conveys a meaning to the audience without them thinking about it. It gives the portrait a particular mood and feeling. 

I find it interesting how symbolism is so important in portraiture. It gives the painting a meaning and a purpose behind it. Features of portraits can be interpreted differently by people which is why some symbols are not planned and it is just someones own idea of why they believe that has been featured or appears. 

References

Elizabethan propaganda part 1 (2009) Available at: https://lovelyoldtree.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/elizabethan-propaganda-part-1/ (Accessed: 19 October 2015).

Elizabethan jewelry (no date) Available at: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-jewelry.htm (Accessed: 19 October 2015).

ANIMAL symbolism in Tudor times (2012) Available at: http://www.thetudorswiki.com/page/ANIMAL+symbolism+in+Tudor+Times (Accessed: 19 October 2015).

The symbolic meanings of animals during the renaissance | the classroom (2013) Available at: http://classroom.synonym.com/symbolic-meanings-animals-during-renaissance-6419.html (Accessed: 19 October 2015).

CONTACT (1994) Symbolism of color: Using color for meaning. Available at: http://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/middle/color2.htm (Accessed: 19 October 2015).