Who painted The Tomb of Elizabeth I?

The Tomb of Elizabeth I was painted by Magdalena van de Passe in 1620.

Where can I see The Tomb of Elizabeth I?

The Tomb of Elizabeth I is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Tomb of Elizabeth I?

The Tomb of Elizabeth I is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Tomb of Elizabeth I

Magdalena van de Passe , 1620

The Tomb of Elizabeth I is an ink print by the Baroque artist Magdalena van de Passe. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Additional sculptural elements, including lion statues and assorted creatures, frame the tomb, emphasizing its ceremonial grandeur.

Magdalena van de Passe’s 1620 engraving titled The Tomb of Elizabeth I presents a richly decorated funerary monument. Central to the composition is a reclining, cloaked figure crowned with a regal diadem, flanked by architectural columns and surmounted by a heraldic shield and lion. Additional sculptural elements, including lion statues and assorted creatures, frame the tomb, emphasizing its ceremonial grandeur.

Subject & Meaning

The image evokes the posthumous commemoration of England’s long‑reigning monarch, portraying her as a sovereign whose authority endures beyond death. The crown and coat of arms signal royal legitimacy, while the surrounding beasts, especially the lion, reinforce symbols of power, vigilance, and the continuity of the Tudor legacy.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine cross‑hatching, the print achieves depth through densely layered lines that model surfaces and suggest texture. Van de Passe’s meticulous line work renders intricate architectural details and the sumptuous drapery of the figure’s cloak, reflecting the elaborate visual language typical of early‑17th‑century Baroque printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1620, the engraving emerges from the prolific van de Passe family workshop, known for portraiture and emblematic prints. While the work was likely intended for a learned audience familiar with royal iconography, surviving copies are held in several European print collections, attesting to its circulation among collectors of the period.

Context

The print belongs to a broader tradition of commemorative imagery that celebrated deceased monarchs through idealized tombs. In the early Stuart era, such representations reinforced dynastic continuity and served as visual affirmations of political stability amid shifting religious and political landscapes.