Elizabeth I Tudor 1620 - 1664

This delicate engraving of Elizabeth I Tudor was created by Stefano della Bella, an Italian artist, probably in the mid-17th century. The composition is dominated by the figure of Queen Elizabeth, rendered with intricate lines that emphasize the texture of her elaborate gown and cloak. Note the contrast between the patterned fabric of the dress and the dense, parallel lines suggesting depth and volume. The formality of the portrait speaks to the power and status associated with the Queen. Della Bella's skilled use of line to create texture, and the careful organization of the composition into distinct zones of text and image, invite us to consider how the symbolic representation of Elizabeth as both a political figure and a powerful woman is mediated through the formal qualities of this print. The artwork destabilizes established meanings through the intersection of visual and textual elements, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns.