FDA-P.113-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-P.113-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Queen Elizabeth I
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Comments
Elizabeth I was aware of the power of her image in communicating a strong persona. The Queen sat for portraits specifically with the intention that artists would pass around drawings of the facial pattern, from which further likenesses could be painted.
This work, probably painted collaboratively by a workshop of artists, is derived from a three-quarter length painting by Quentin Massys the Younger (c.1543–1589) now in the Pinacoteca Nazionale museum, in Siena. The facial features of Massys’ portrait are, in turn, derived from the Darnley portrait of the Queen (once owned by the first Earl of Darnley), now in the National Portrait Gallery.
In 2011¬–12, conservation treatment to remove layers of overpaint on this work revealed the sieve held by the Queen, a symbol of wisdom and chastity; the globe supported by a column, a reference to both the voyages of discovery and naval conquests of her reign, and also the lattice window to the left.
This work, probably painted collaboratively by a workshop of artists, is derived from a three-quarter length painting by Quentin Massys the Younger (c.1543–1589) now in the Pinacoteca Nazionale museum, in Siena. The facial features of Massys’ portrait are, in turn, derived from the Darnley portrait of the Queen (once owned by the first Earl of Darnley), now in the National Portrait Gallery.
In 2011¬–12, conservation treatment to remove layers of overpaint on this work revealed the sieve held by the Queen, a symbol of wisdom and chastity; the globe supported by a column, a reference to both the voyages of discovery and naval conquests of her reign, and also the lattice window to the left.
Description
Content (person)
Content (note)
Three-quarter-length, in a black dress with white winged veil, ruff, lace cuffs, jewells in her hair, a jewelled girdle and jewelled brooch with pendant pearl on her breast. Holding a sieve in her left hand, with a terrestrial globe on stand behind her left shoulder, and a diamond paned window and silhouette of imperial column behind her right shoulder.
Dimensions
height (actual size): 963mm
width (actual size): 788mm
depth (actual size): 3mm
height (frame): 1150mm
width (frame): 980mm
depth (frame): 45mm
width (actual size): 788mm
depth (actual size): 3mm
height (frame): 1150mm
width (frame): 980mm
depth (frame): 45mm
Inscription
Inscribed, upper right: 'Ao.1583'
Materials & techniques note
Oil on panel
Physical description
19th-century carved and gilded frame surmounted by a crown on a cushion
Style
British School 16th Century
Production
Person
Metsys, Quentin (the Younger), c.1543 - 1589 (Source artist)
Date
c.1583
History and association
Object history note
One of the Sieve portrait type variants dependant on the ex-Duke of Hamilton version. Using the Darnley portrait face pattern
Probably acquired by Eton during the 19th century
Probably acquired by Eton during the 19th century
References
• Ian Tyers, 'The Tree-Ring Analysis of 10 Panel Paintings at Eton College', Dendrochronology Consultancy Ltd, Report 158, June 2009 (pp.30-33)
