Profile: Elizabeth I

Susan Doran provides a fresh assessment of one of the most popular of British monarchs.

The Armada Portrait is deservedly the most familiar icon of Elizabeth I, presenting as it does an image of the queen which has been assimilated into one of England’s most enduring historical myths. Resplendent in her pearls and bows, Elizabeth stands imperiously as the Virgin Queen, whose political power is closely linked to her personal celibacy; note for instance how a white bow and giant pearl are prominent in the position where a codpiece would be placed on a male in order to display his virility. While depicted as remote from her subjects, Elizabeth is also represented as sharing their aspirations; with her hand covering the Americas on the globe she proclaims England’s imperial ambitions, an intent made possible by the strength of her navy...