Portraits and Speeches of Elizabeth I

The reign of Queen Elizabeth I ushered in an era of relative peace and prosperity that promoted England’s validity as a formidable world power specifically, in regards to international trade and military supremacy. Despite England’s obvious prosperity under Elizabeth’s forty-five year reign (1558-1603), skepticism concerning her competence as Queen was perceptible among those who valued the ideologies advocated by the established patriarchal system defining government and social life. Rather than yield to the nation’s preconceived notions regarding women, specifically women monarchs, Elizabeth masterfully reciprocated the perceived weaknesses of her sex, and through subtle manipulation and symbolic imagery, transformed her feminine qualities into her most prominent strengths.

            On the eve of the imminent invasion by the Spanish Armada in 1588, Elizabeth presented her famous speech to the English troops assembled at Tilbury. Elizabeth’s rhetorical delivery of the speech is largely characterized by her gratitude and acknowledgement of the vulnerabilities associated with her female sex. “I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects”/ “I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman.” (Elizabeth) When considering the context of her speech, Elizabeth insinuates that her womanly weaknesses must be defended by her loyal subjects; however, although she recognizes the vulnerabilities of her physical body she equally acknowledges the divinity and regency associated with her corporal or governmental body: “but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.” (Elizabeth)This duality of the physical and corporal bodies of the monarch became the primary subject most often portrayed within the various portraits of Elizabeth I. Perhaps the most famous of these paintings is the “Rainbow Portrait” painted in c1600 by Isaac Oliver. The portrait’s date reveals that Elizabeth was well into her 60’s at the time Oliver painted her; however, Elizabeth’s representation in the “Rainbow Portrait” illustrates her youthful beauty thus encouraging the belief that her influence is beyond the natural aging process and therefore, immortal. Numerous iconographies adorn the painting and symbolize Elizabeth’s unconditional sovereignty despite the assumed weaknesses of her female sex. The rainbow, from which the portrait derives its name, is held in Elizabeth’s right hand with the inscription “No rainbow without the sun” and symbolically insinuates that peace and prosperity can only be achieved through the wisdom and aptitude of the Queen (the snake adorning her left arm constitutes an additional symbol for wisdom). The embroidered eyes and ears that populate her elaborate attire also provide testimony to the Queen’s unbridled influence, implying she sees and hears all. (Portraits)

            Additional obstacles experienced by Elizabeth as a consequence of her female sex can be discerned in her 1559 Speech to Parliament. The speech serves as Elizabeth’s response to Parliament’s consisted urging for her to marry and secure a line of succession. In conjunction with her reputation as the “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth organizes her speech upon the assertion that “I happily chose this kind of life in which I yet live, which I assure you for my own part hath best contented myself and trust hath been most acceptable to God.” (Elizabeth) In her Parliamentary address, Elizabeth once again distinguishes between the physical and corporal and claims God honors and supports her current decision to remain chaste- a brilliant and tactful rhetorical decision employed to subdue Parliament’s frustrating delegations. The equally famous “Ditchley Portrait” presents a stunning image of Elizabeth dressed in an elaborate white gown symbolizing her purity and virginity. The painting, while exceptionally feminine, also situates Elizabeth standing over the world-- a direct symbolic reference to her influence and absolute power as England's divine monarch. Rather than shy away from her female sex, Elizabeth embraces her image and subsequently utilizes it as a means of persuasion and political exploitation.