Symbolism within Elizabethan Portraits

Book Ref: History of the Kings and Queens of England, David Williamson, January 11th 2011
Information based on notes from lecture
During her reign Elizabeth I was very particular about her portraits, often only wanted portraits that portrayed her as youthful, demonstrated her love for her country, her people and her own strength as Queen. Portraits from within this period are full of Renaissance symbolism and are almost legendary in the narratives that they depict, as a result of this within England their was 'The Cult of Elizabeth', a set in stone celebration of virginity that was heavily structured as the propaganda of her reign. Each portrait carried its own symbolism and narrative that enhanced her position of strength as The Virgin Queen.
The Sieve Portrait 
(1583) Quentin Metsys - Oil on Panel

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The Sieve Portrait represents one of Elizabeths paintings where the theme of virginal purity is emphasised. The prop of the sieve used within this painting connotes purity through its connection with the Roman legend of Tuccia, a Virgin who proved her chastity by carrying a sieve of water from the Tiber to the Temple of Vesta, a task which was only completely by those unattained by the sin of lust. 
The roundels behind Elizabeth depict the story of Aeneas and Dido, the Queen is often compared to the character of Aeneas as she has been tempted by marriage but refuses and remains a strong female figure ruling her own kingdom. Elizabeths portraits were full of symbolism that drove home the idea of her purity. 
The use of a globe is another prominent feature within portraits of the Queen and was often used to depict defeated countries or allies of the British empire. 
Colour also emphasises her position of power through the choice of black and white, these were favourite colours of the Queen and as a result became highly fashionable to be seen in. Black fabric was highly expensive to produce and rare often corroding on items such as hats and headdresses which featured a significant amount of blackwork. 

The Armada Portrait 

(1603) George Gower - Oil on Oak Panel

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This portrait is one that emphasises the Queens power by depicting her defeat over the Spanish Armada in 1588. Just like her other portraits this painting is full of symbolism and carries a narrative within the fine details, as many could not read within Elizabethan society this was one of the only method of communicating the Queens success with her people. 

Like 'The Sieve Portrait' Elizabeth is depicted with her hand on a globe, if you look closely it is visible that she is covering the country of South America. This country was the main source of Spain's gold but after their defeat during the Armada Elizabeth was able to claim the land and its riches for England. The pearl necklace featured within this painting was the last ever present from Robert Dudley, it could be interpreted that the wearing of the necklace was a stab at her advisors who resented her admiration of Dudley however the pearl is also a symbol of virginity, emphasising her status as the 'Virgin Queen'. 

The Rainbow Portrait 

(1603) - Isaac Oliver - Oil on Panel

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The dress is embroider with English wildflowers which allows her to portray Astraea. The cloak is decorated with eyes and ears implying that she sees and hears all that goes on in her kingdom, an image reused in Kate Blanchett's portrayal in 'Elizabeth' to imply her dream relation with Dudley. The crescent shaped jewel that hangs around her neck is a conniption to Cynthia, the goddess of the moon signifying Elizabeth's connection to other spiritual figures of feminine authority.
On her sleeve is a heavy ornate serpent, a symbol of wisdom. Within the snakes mouth is a heart shaped ruby, the ruby is a symbol of the Queens heart and with it being in the snakes mouth the image connotes how Elizabeth's heart has been captured by her country and her passions are controlled by wisdom. Within her right hand she holds an image of a rainbow,  the rainbow is a universal symbol of peace and prosperity therefore by Elizabeth holding the rainbow it suggests that as long as Elizabeth has hold of her kingdom there will be peace across her land. The rainbow also relates to the latin phrase "Non sine sol iris", which translates as "No rainbow without the sun". Elizabeth is representative of that sun.