Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

after Nicholas Hilliard (Exeter 1547 – London 1619). Oil painting on panel, Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603) after Nicholas Hilliard (Exeter 1547 – London 1619), 19thC(?). Half-length portrait, turned slightly to the left, gazing at spectator; unusually long chin, brown eyes, curly, tightly-plaited auburn hair with a lace headdress stitched with pearls, from which a veil falls behind; she wears a jewel in her hair with pendant pearl which falls on her forehead; wearing a very high, close, neck-ruff and wrist-ruffs, both edged with lace; a black dress, embroidered with bands of embroidered silver set with small pearls, a falling lace collar covers her shoulders; a gold and pearl chain, hanging from her shoulders is set with square-cut jewels (diamonds?) from which is suspended a large gold and pearl pendant with similar square-cut jewel in the centre and a large pearl suspended beneath; in her left hand, on which she wears a thumb-ring and ring on her third finger, she holds in front of her, with her forefinger and thumb, a pink rose; plain brown background. Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire (Accredited Museum)