Allegorical Portrait of Elizabeth I | 1610

The "Allegorical Portrait of Elizabeth I," painted around 1610, is a symbolic representation of Queen Elizabeth I of England. This portrait is rich in allegory and conveys the themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of power. The Queen is depicted in elaborate, regal attire, adorned with pearls and jewels, which symbolize purity and the wealth of her reign. Her expression is somber and reflective, with her head resting on her hand, suggesting contemplation or melancholy. Above her, two cherubs hold a crown over her head, signifying her royal status and divine right to rule.

To the right of Elizabeth stands a skeletal figure, representing death, holding an hourglass, a reminder of the inevitability of mortality. The juxtaposition of the Queen with the figure of death highlights the transient nature of earthly power and beauty. In the background, an elderly man, often interpreted as Father Time, watches over the scene, reinforcing the theme of the passage of time. This painting is a powerful meditation on the dualities of life—youth and age, power and mortality—and serves as a poignant reflection on Elizabeth I’s reign as she approached the end of her life. The dark, muted colours and the symbolic elements create a somber and contemplative atmosphere, emphasizing the inevitability of time and death even for a monarch.

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging