Masterpiece Story: Portrait of Elizabeth I

In an opulent dress covered in jewels and images of flora and fauna, Elizabeth I stands in front of a velvet cloth of state. Upon closer view, the dress is covered in white pearls, which is a symbol of purity. It is unsurprising for pearls to be displayed on a virgin queen’s dress. However, the dress stands out due to the pattern of the land and sea creatures. As the Metropolitan Museum of Art notes, the artist, Nicholas Hilliard, purposely portrayed Elizabeth I as two-dimensional through her preference. As a result, Elizabeth I is illustrated as a young queen with porcelain skin. However, the portrait was made during her late sixties.

But who commissioned this portrait, and what is noteworthy about the petticoat?

Remarkably, Elizabeth I did not commission the portrait, although she probably admired it when first displayed at Hardwick Hall. Instead, art historians suggest the portrait was commissioned by Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury (known as Bess of Hardwick). She is remembered as one of the greatest patrons of architecture during the Tudor Age. For instance, her decoration at Hardwick house is considered an Elizabethan “prodigy house.” Meaning it was built during the Tudor Age and was large enough to fit Elizabeth I and her entourage.

It is known that Bess of Hardwick was eager to win the favor of Elizabeth I. And this portrait exemplifies her desire to win favor at the Elizabethan court due to the embroidered petticoat’s design.