Who painted Shield of Queen Elizabeth?

Shield of Queen Elizabeth was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Shield of Queen Elizabeth?

Shield of Queen Elizabeth is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shield of Queen Elizabeth?

Shield of Queen Elizabeth is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shield of Queen Elizabeth

Simon van de Passe , 1621

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

Simon van de Passe’s 1621 engraving, derived from a silver medal, presents a heraldic shield topped by a crown. The composition includes a central coat of arms featuring a fleur‑de‑lis and a lion, flanked by two dragons, and framed by Latin inscriptions on banners above and below the shield.

Subject & Meaning

The shield’s imagery combines royal symbols—crown, lion, and fleur‑de‑lis—with the motto “Dei et mon droit,” a declaration of divine right historically associated with English monarchy, underscoring the sovereign’s claim to authority derived from God.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line engraving, van de Passe employs dense cross‑hatching to render texture and depth, characteristic of early‑17th‑century printmaking. The meticulous incisions convey the metallic sheen of the original medal while allowing subtle tonal variation on paper.

History & Provenance

The print originates from a silver medal likely commissioned to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Van de Passe, a prominent Dutch engraver active in England, reproduced the medal for wider distribution, reflecting the period’s practice of circulating royal iconography through prints.

Context

Created during the early Stuart era, the work reflects continued reverence for Elizabeth I’s legacy. The use of heraldic and dynastic motifs aligns with contemporary efforts to legitimize the monarchy amid shifting political landscapes.