>From this site
http://www.marileecody.com/eliz1-images.html
Elizabeth's gown is embroidered with English wildflowers, thus allowing the
queen to pose in the guise of Astraea, the virginal heroine of classical
literature. Her cloak is decorated with eyes and ears, implying that she
sees and hears all. Her headdress is an incredible design decorated
lavishly with pearls and rubies and supports her royal crown. The pearls
symbolize her virginity; the crown, of course, symbolizes her royalty.
Pearls also adorn the transparent veil which hangs over her shoulders.
Above her crown is a crescent-shaped jewel which alludes to Cynthia, the
goddess of the moon. (De: Most say Diana)
A jeweled serpent is entwined along her left arm, and holds from its mouth a
heart-shaped ruby. Above its head is a celestial sphere. The serpent
symbolizes wisdom; it has captured the ruby, which in turn symbolizes the
queen's heart. In other words, the queen's passions are controlled by her
wisdom. The celestial sphere echoes this theme; it symbolizes wisdom and
the queen's royal command over nature.
Elizabeth's right hand holds a rainbow with the Latin inscription 'Non sine
sole iris' ('No rainbow without the sun'). The rainbow symbolizes peace,
and the inscription reminds viewers that only the queen's wisdom can ensure
peace and prosperity.
Elizabeth was in her late sixties when this portrait was made, but for
iconographic purposes she is portrayed as young and beautiful, more than
mortal. In this portrait, she is ageless.
De
-----Original Message-----
Note also that this is not intended to show a "real" outfit: while
elements of it may actually have existed, the Queen is shown here as
if she was costumed for a masque. The "eyes and ears" mantle is not
the sort of thing that would be worn on any other occasion, I think. :)
____________________________________________________________
O Chris Laning <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> - Davis, California
+ http://paternoster-row.org - http://paternosters.blogspot.com
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