Shield of Queen Elizabeth

Executed as an engraving, the image was transferred from a silver medal onto paper, preserving the fine line work characteristic of van de Passe’s practice. The technique allows for precise rendering of intricate details such as the heraldic devices, ornamental swirls, and the lettering that encircles the design, creating a crisp, high‑contrast visual effect.

Simon van de Passe, a Dutch‑born artist active in England, created the print during the early Stuart period, a time when royal iconography was widely circulated in print form. The work likely served as a commemorative or propagandistic item, reinforcing the queen’s dynastic legitimacy through familiar heraldic motifs.

The inclusion of the Order of the Garter motto connects the image to England’s most prestigious chivalric order, established in the 14th century. By integrating both English and French symbols, the print reflects the complex political and cultural ties between England and continental Europe in the early 17th century.