The rainbow portrait queen elizabeth 1st

The Rainbow Portrait is one of the most intriguing images of Elizabeth I. Attributed to Isaac Oliver, an Englishportrait miniature painter, the half life-size portrait of Queen Elizabeth is by far the artist&#;s largest surviving work.

In true Tudor style, the portrait is littered with ciphers, symbolism and secret meanings, and it works to constructs a very calculated image of the queen.

By holding a rainbow, for example, Elizabeth is depicted as an almost divine, mythical being. Meanwhile, her youthful skin and drapings of pearls – associated with purity – help to promote Elizabeth&#;s Cult of Virginity.

The Rainbow Portrait still hangs in the sumptuous setting of Hatfield House, among an array of grand paintings, fine furniture and delicate tapestries.

Here&#;s the history of the Rainbow Portrait and its many hidden messages.