The Armada Portrait
George Gower, Woburn Abbey (1588)
The Armada Portrait, exhibited in the Long Gallery of Woburn Abbey is An impressive picture aNd the declaration of power and authority with Queen Elizabeth I interpreted as empress of the world and commander of the oceans.
Symbolism
Her hand is firmly on the globe and the Imperial crown reflects her equality with the Holy Roman Emperor and her status as Empress of the world. Her dress, in her preferred colours of black and white, also proclaims her rank and is covered with her favourite gems and precious pearls from the sea, a sign of virginity.
