QUEEN ELIZETH I (1533-1603)
The Armada Portrait, c.1588. Attributed to George Gower (c.1546-1596)
c1588, unknown artist
For my final hair design I have been heavily influenced by this portrait, this is due to the whole story behind it and the symbolism that it contains.
This portrait is my all time favourites, I always find it hard to believe that the artist it not know, as this in such a iconic, symbolic and historic work of art.
Symbolism is everything in the image:
Pearls - symbolises her purity which decorates the head and gown.
Imperial crown - symbolises her regin and power on the thrown and that she is the mistress of the land and sea.
Globe - her fingers have been strategically placed upon the Americas.
Background paintings - This clearly shows the defeat of the Spanish Armada, in 1588, This shows her power as the Spanish Armada where one of the biggest navel fleets at the time and it was really a slap in the face to them and it was a big embarrassment to the Spanish! I find that absolutely brilliant!
Pearl necklace - This was given to her by Robert Dudley, it was his last gift to her, I think this represents that her heart is forever guarded.
http://fms406sommerssnewelizabethans.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2014-11-10T04:29:00-08:00&max-results=7
I am going to try and recreate the Spanish Armada panting that is in the background of the portrait, in the hair. I want to do this by getting a boat or two small boats and attaching them into the hair; I also love the use of colour within the right hand painting the blues show the dramatic sea in the battle, I will use coloured feathers to create the sea. With the remaining hair I will keep the traditional heart shape and bun at the back.
Instead of the symmetric curls running along the front of her head I will have them representing waves and be at different levels.
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