Symbolism in Portraiture.

http://www.marileecody.com/gloriana/elizabethpelican.jpg

All of Queen Elizabeth's 1 portraits had a hidden meanings and symbolism, this was her way of being able to communicate with her people, but in a discreet manner. This perticular portrait was called the 'The Pelican Portrait' 1575, this was because she had a small pelican pin on he body of her dress. 

In this portrait there are many items of symbolism, to begin with the pearls around her neck are a sign of purity, this was for her to reassure her people of her being the 'Virgin Queen'. Also in this portrait she has the Tudor rose on her bodice, this is a sign of unity, again to remind her people of being together and her mother like figure to the people. However the main fixation in this portrait was of course the pelican pendant, pinned to her chest. There was an old wife's tale that said that pelicans used to pluck their own feathers so they could feed their young, and as a result of their offspring well-being, in turn sacrificed themselves  so that their young would survive. However is a myth, but at the time of this portrait it was still thought to be the fact, this symbolism is similar to the belief of Christ sacrificing himself for his people, so that they could prosper and survive. Being the queen was looked at as being the closest thing to God, but to me i think what this represents is Elizabeth not being married, so that her whole attention, everything she survives for is to make England prosperous and so that the people of England can have a better life, as she is the mother and the nation is her child that she will protect until the end. 

Although the pelican is the most obvious of symbols in this painting, there are other symbols, for example, the black, white, red and gold seen in her clothes is a sign of her wealth and power, as these colours were the most expensive to produce, especially red, as this was made from beetle juice which had to be traded with Spain, a rival country at the time. 

Also the least obvious symbol in this image is the cherries tucked behind her ear, this again reinstates the idea of her being a virgin, completely dedicated to her country. 

(all references are from class)