Artwork
Elizabeth, Queen of England
Elizabeth, Queen of England is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The background incorporates a textured, lace-like pattern achieved through intricate lines and dots around the subject's shoulders.
Elizabeth, Queen of England is a 1621 engraving pulled from a silver medal, created by Simon van de Passe. The work is a black-and-white portrait featuring a woman with a round face, curly hair styled in a high coiffure, a ruff collar, and a necklace adorned with large beads. The background incorporates a textured, lace-like pattern achieved through intricate lines and dots around the subject's shoulders.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Elizabeth, Queen of England, though the specific context or occasion for the portrait is not immediately clear from the image itself. The regalia, particularly the ruff collar and ornate necklace, signify the subject's royal status.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employed cross-hatching, a technique involving layered lines to create shadows and define shapes, to enhance detail and depth in the portrait. This method is evident in the textured background and the subject's attire, demonstrating the artist's skill in achieving nuanced visuals through precise line work.
History & Provenance
Created in 1621, the engraving's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed in the provided information. The original medium was a silver medal, from which the engraving was pulled, indicating a potential circulation as a commemorative or portrait piece.
Context
Given its date, the engraving may relate to the broader practice of royal portraiture during the early 17th century, where such images served to disseminate the monarch's likeness and authority. The use of engraving facilitated wider distribution compared to paintings.
Legacy
The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent artistic or historical developments is not specified in the available details. However, as a portrait of Elizabeth I by a known artist, it contributes to the visual record of her representation in art.
Artist & collection
