Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the Art of Queenship

The 'Cult of Gloriana' was created to elevate Elizabeth I to the status of a virgin goddess, supported by authors, musicians, and artists such as Spenser, Shakespeare, Hilliard, Tallis, and Byrd. The English surpassed their European counterparts in miniature painting, allowing courtiers to carry a likeness of their sovereign close to their hearts. Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the Art of Queenship explores Elizabethan art as a powerful device for royal magnificence and propaganda.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

In a Reformation kingdom accustomed to queens, Elizabeth I sought to forge a unique image that would unite her divided nation. To achieve this, she established the 'Cult of Gloriana,' which elevated the queen to the status of a virgin goddess, aided by renowned authors, musicians, and artists like Spenser, Shakespeare, Hilliard, Tallis, and Byrd. The widespread ownership and distribution of her image were facilitated by the expansion of printing, resulting in the English surpassing their European counterparts in miniature painting. This allowed courtiers to carry a likeness of their sovereign close to their hearts.

Sumptuously illustrated, Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the Art of Queenship delves into the story of Elizabethan art as a potent tool for royal magnificence and propaganda. It showcases several key artworks from Elizabeth's reign, painting a captivating portrait of the Tudor monarch as never seen before. Through meticulous research and analysis, the book sheds light on the artistic techniques, symbolism, and cultural significance of these artworks, providing a deeper understanding of Elizabeth's reign and the role of art in shaping her image.

Dimension: 216 x 138 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750997546