|| Analysis of an Elizabethan painting ||

Queen Mary I
attributed to Lucas Horenbout (or Hornebolte)
watercolour on vellum, circa 1525
1 3/8 in. (35 mm) sight diameter
Purchased, 1999
Primary CollectionNPG 6453

I have found this painting on the National Portrait Gallery website. The shape of it made it stood out in my eyes and therefore decided to look at it in more depth. 

The website states that this portrait is showing Mary as a princess. It is assumed to be one of the earliest surviving English portrait miniature. The inscription painted on her bodice, meaning  'The Emperor', it is thought to refer to Mary's engagement to the Emperor Charles V between 1521 and 1525. 

The painting is representing the Elizabethan trends very well- the red hair in the combination with the very pale skin emphasised even more with the red cheeks. The non-existent eyebrows are meant to give an impression of a bigger forehead which signified intelligence. Another important and quite big factor is the fact that her outfit is black, which in those times used to symbolise virginity and purity. She is also wearing pearls which were very popular when it came to jewellery (only when it came to upper classes). All of these small elements make out a symbol which informs us about her royalty and importance.