Elizabethan and Contemporary Portraits

The Ermine Portrait - Queen Elizabeth I

Painted by Nicholas Hilliard in 1585, the Ermine Portrait was one of thousands of paintings of the iconic monarch throughout her reign. The 'cult of Elizabeth' used portraiture of Queen Elizabeth I to reflect her love for her country and flaunt her chastity. The variations showed her love of peace and victory as well as keeping the virginal ideal forever in the minds of the viewers. These detailed images were the inspiration for the people of her time. 

Hilliard's particular interpretation of the red-headed queen entails many various symbols that help portray Elizabeth to the country. The Ermine sat on her arm (and interestingly titles the portrait) would've been highly valuable in the 16th century and is a symbol of royalty and high nobility. Her bejewelled black gown highlight her seriousness but also the colour contrasts her pale complexion massively drawing the viewers eye to her face instantly. It is almost as though gravity is drawn towards her in this image. The olive branch in her hand represents peace and the sword beside her shows her preparation to protect her realm and keep justice in place.

Mrs Carter Tour Promotion - Beyonce Knowles-Carter

The promotional content used for the Mrs Carter World tour distributed between in 2013 and 2014 demonstrates Beyonce's status as a musical icon of the 21st Century. Since making a name for herself in the late 1990's as a lead singer in Destiny's Child, Beyonce Knowles is known worldwide and is an icon of beauty for many people. As she is not stereotypically 'thin', she is respected for demonstrating a womanly figure throughout her career and inspires women through her music. In many images of her, sexuality is used to promote herself and is used as a tool to catch the eye of both men and women. 

Within this photograph, many objects are symbolising her wealth, status and womanhood. The crown traditionally is recognised as a sign of royalty, however, Beyonce's is lopsided on her hair - potentially symbolising the unconventional royalty of celebrities in the modern day. The golden corset demonstrates the womanly curves Beyonce is known for. Corsets are used to train the waists into a desired shape for aesthetic purposes and could be demonstrating the pressure on women to maintain this idealised body. Her red over-the-knee boots symbolise her sexuality. Draped over her body, the royal blue gown-like jacket contrasts the gold aspects of her outfit - highlighting them.

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