Artwork
Shield of Queen Elizabeth

Shield of Queen Elizabeth 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
Shield of Queen Elizabeth is a 1621 engraving by Simon van de Passe, derived from a silver medal.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a crowned shield with symbols of a lion and fleur-de-lis, flanked by figures holding a spear and sword. Latin inscriptions around the shield translate to 'For Queen Elizabeth, Defender of the Faith', a title commonly used by English monarchs.
Technique & Style
The print is characterized by detailed black lines on a light background, achieved through the engraving process, where the artist incised a metal plate to create the image.
Artist & collection












![Shield of Queen Elizabeth [left half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-queen-elizabeth-left-half--f4b61579dbc6b41d-w320.webp)




