In Tate Britain
Walk Through British Art: 1540
Free entry- Artists
-
Steven van der Meulen ?–1563 or 4
Steven van Herwijck c.1530–1567 - Medium
- Oil on canvas, transferred from panel
- Dimensions
- Support: 1960 x 1400 mm
- Collection
- Private collection c/o Philip Mould Ltd
On short term loan - Reference
- X49543
Display caption
This portrait of Elizabeth I (1533–1603) is the earliest known full-length portrait of the queen. It is unique in alluding to her status as a prospective bride, painted at a time when she was forced to address the question of marriage. She holds a carnation flower in her right hand, representing the love of God, but also love and marriage. In the background is a tapestry elaborately decorated with fruit and flowers, unusual in portraits of this period. The entwined honeysuckle flowers suggest a union, while the ripe fruit symbolise the queen’s fertility.
Gallery label, February 2016
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