#rainbow portrait

[vintage-treasures]

The Rainbow Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, Oil on Canvas (c. 1600–1602) A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I painted near the end of her reign. The work is rich with allegorical symbolism, depicting the Queen with impossibly youthful features. She holds a rainbow, which bears the Latin inscription Non sine sole iris ("No rainbow without the sun"), a declaration that only the Queen's wisdom ensures peace.

Her cloak is embroidered with eyes and ears, suggesting her all-seeing and all-hearing authority, and a jeweled serpent is wrapped around her arm, a symbol of wisdom and power. The work is typically attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger or Isaac Oliver. Loc. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, UK. Dim. 127 cm H x 99.1 cm W (50 x 39 in.).

[mametupa]

Britain at the time of Queen Elizabeth I was divided, unstable and violent. Despite this, Elizabeth stayed in power for over 40 years. The secret of her incredible reign is hidden in this portrait. Detailed in the folds of her dress, these eyes and ears represent a spy network. The world's first secret service, run by a father-and-son team. Both exceptionally intelligent and given the job of protecting Queen and country. Elizabethan England as it really was, with a network of spies battling a terrorist threat.

[urbanfa3ry]

[thouartadeadthing]

[contremineur]

the Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I a tamed snake dotted with gems adorned your sleeve; the ruffled collar without pigment matched your ceruse-painted skin; then a celestial crown, delicate wings, a ruby pendant. but the dress was the trap: draped around you like a quilt, the hue of your hair, and alive. you had a face like a poker player & your gown befitted the mistress of spies; enough eyes & ears to survive sixty years. heart and belly of a woman contained in citrus silk; a gauzy cape below your shoulders showing ethereal credentials; heartseases on your bodice like girlhood peering out.

Imogen Wade, Non sine sole iris

The poem's title (and the painting's inscription) is Latin, translatable as 'No rainbow without the sun'

poem from here, image from here

[ticklemerainbows]

10 Generations dooooone! 

Now on to 11-20!

[minervacasterly]

Queen Elizabeth I in one of her most iconic portraits (and my special favorite) "The Rainbow portrait" and the "Windsor Portrait" when she was Lady Elizabeth.

[ericaalmquistphotography]

“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.” 

Model

Photographer