Portret van Elizabeth I Tudor, koningin van Engeland op 48-jarige leeftijd in ovaal

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This striking engraving, *Portret van Elizabeth I, koningin van Eng op 48-jarige leeftijd ovaal*, captures Elizabeth I of England at the height of her reign around 1586. Created in 1632 by Dutch engraver Willem Jacobsz Del (1580–1638), it reproduces an earlier portrait in a elegant oval format, a popular choice for formal likenesses that emphasized symmetry and regal poise. Measuring 416 × 296 mm, the print bears the collector's mark Lugt 2228, signaling its esteemed provenance among art connoisseurs. Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen, masterminded her image through portraits that projected strength and majesty amid political turbulence, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada. This depiction at age 48 highlights her during a pivotal era of Renaissance England, where royal iconography reinforced national identity and Protestant fervor. Delff's meticulous engraving technique—incising lines into a metal plate for inked impressions—allowed for widespread dissemination, making the queen's visage accessible beyond court circles. As a posthumous print from the Dutch Golden Age, it bridges English Tudor legacy with Northern European printmaking prowess, underscoring engravings' role in preserving historical figures for posterity. A testament to enduring royal allure!