Symbolism in Elizabethan Fashion Queen Elizabeth I is known for her strong leadership, lifelong virginity, and perhaps most importantly- her boisterous sense of fashion. While it is true that the queen did not necessarily introduce fashion trends, she certainly helped perpetrate them and used vogue styles to her advantage (Auerbach 196). The Queen was known for wearing elaborate gowns that were heavily padded to withstand the weight of the excessive amounts of dense fabric. These dresses helped give the impression of her being a much larger- and thus more powerful- figure. While other nobles would have dawned these garments as a symbol of their wealth and social status, Elizabeth did not need to prove either of these because her position as …show more content…
It is first important to not that her sense of fashion could have simply been a form of intimidation. Because her garments took up so much space in the room, it was nearly impossible to not see her. This constant direct attention could have made her be perceived as being more powerful and thus more intimidating (Ford and Mitchell 230). This technique would have been especially important during the time period in which she reigned. Because female leaders were anomalies, Elizabeth was forced to compete with a patriarchal society, which consistently undermined her ability to rule and power as a female. As a result, her flamboyant attire was probably created as a means of mimicking the contemporary men’s fashion during that era (Auerbach 200). By relying on this style, Elizabeth sought to establish herself as a dominant ruler who is completely capable of ruling in her own …show more content…
During this time period, the height of one’s headpiece was directly correlated with the amount of power the individual maintained. In this specific portrait, the top of Elizabeth’s crown is not really shown. This serves as commentary on her unlimited and almost infinite power (Erler 361). Behind the queen rests two oddly shaped wings attached to her light overcoat. These wings are symbolic of her power over both England and France. Additionally, she is drawn with may pearl necklaces, bracelets, and hairpieces. These do not only highlight her wealth, but more importantly emphasize her virginity and refusal to accept a suitor because of her passion for her country(Fischlin 178). On the left hand side of the portrait, marks the phrase “non sine sol iris.” Interestingly, the phrase can be translated from Latin to mean “no rainbow without the sun.” The Queen is also holding a strange emblem in her left hand. This object is called an armillary sphere and is intended to symbolize a rainbow. Originally, this appeared to look much more like a rainbow; however, over time, the colors have significantly faded (Fischlin 180). The emphasis of this specific celestial body is perhaps one of the primary reasons why the portrait is called such a peculiar name. The rainbow is specifically important because it symbolizes peace and prosperity throughout the nation. The phrase “no rainbow without
At age 5 ms.bathory had brutal seizures which was caused by a neurological disorder. Which may be caused elizabeth to have horrendous behavior later in life Ms.bathory was spoiled usually didn't have to do things on her own. Which made her feel like she had power and was higher than other people. According to the History Channel, Bathory tortured young servants by pushing pins and needles underneath their nails and tying them
Queen Elizabeth I spoke about her faults as a woman and the fact that she, a woman, has a “heart and stomach of a king” (6). This shows that women were aware they were being looked down upon as they compared a strong heart and stomach to one that only a king could have. This speech shows that its
Elizabeth’s bravery and strength is a huge part of who she is. She is a source of goodness among so many others who chose to go along with the madness. Values as strong as these provide a shed of light in the midst of something as detrimental as the witch trials, where the poor values of others cost dozens of
Women from the 18th century had moral ques that was a embedded as a part of society at this time. This was the idea that women would typically get married, have children and take care of the home. Elizabeth did follow the status quo to a certain
I think that women today have the ability to be exactly who or what they want to be thanks to Elizabeth. According to most people during Elizabeth’s lifetime, not much was really expected from women, and many of them were content with those thoughts. Elizabeth (not working alone) was a huge part of what
Elizabeth, in contrast, is seen to be completely
This meant that there was a dramatic increase of women wearing pants (Guenther, 2004) [Figures 1 & 2] because they needed more comfortable and practical clothing to be able to work the heavy labour jobs they had taken over while the men were away at war (Tortora and Marcketti, 2015). Conversely, during Elizabethan times, clothing was restrictive but it was male actors who were allowed to cross-dress, as women were not allowed to act in theatres. During this time, nearly the entire population, from the upper classes to lower classes wore a ruff which encircled the neck, this dis-joined the head from the body and furthered restricted movement (Entwistle and Wilson (Eds), 2001) [Figure 3].
Elizabeth was a protestant woman and, consequently, people questioned her right to rule England. Woman were seen as inferior and unsuitable at that in time and since as ruler she would take control of the catholic church many wondered if she was fit to ruler England. Because of this concern, it was important for her to stabalize her divine right to power as it applied to religion. This was made possible by the medieval theory of two bodies. “In the theory of two bodies, there was the body natural and the body politic.
In the beginning of her reign she was struggling, in response to this the people of her country wanted her to marry a strong man to help her rule. But she wanted none of this. Elizabeth did not want to have a male companion constantly interfering with her decisions and having any power over her. Because she
What if in today's era, wearing the wrong thing could earn someone a death sentence? Imagine what it would feel like, being told what to wear and what not to wear. In the Elizabethan Era a set of laws called the Sumptuary Laws were placed for that specific issue. By not following this law, the punishments could result in fines, loss of property, and even death. Women's fashion in the Elizabethan Era consisted of a stomacher, corset, petticoat, kirdle, gown, and coat.
By saying that Elizabeth is able to get a following from men ,because they see that she's not including all men to be wicked when it comes to having control. If she were to say that all men were corrupt ,she wouldn't have such a huge following because of it. God is also brought up during the speech and this gave the crowd to have a connection with her. By saying that God did not intend for women to be oppressed by man ; this got people thinking well if God says it's wrong then it must be wrong. Sayings like this in her speech would get her a following from people of
In these painting they were often depicted wearing frilly and decorated clothing and surrounded by objects that signified their accomplishment or wealth. In the portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, her dresses is very large and her neck is decorated with beads and gems. Upon her head sits a crown accompanied by a second one in the left corner. She has various pictures of ships at sea and she is holding a globe in her hand perhaps to signify England's voyage to the America’s and the colonies they began. This painting establishes a political power and wealth through the objects in the painting.
Especially since religion was a priority in that time. The use of logos regarding financial security is when she addresses, “I know, already for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do not assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you”, she wants to ensure that they will be glorified with riches because much like in all battles, financial security is unstable due to the costs of weapons and supplies needed to prepare. This motive was successful because it gave her men more motivation and courage to be victorious. Using these two examples as logos indicates how intelligent Elizabeth was for the sake and dedication of her kingdom. As stated she may not have the physical appearance of a man but as a ruler she fit the criteria because not only was her kingdom victorious, it was also the defining moment for Queen Elizabeth I to be known as
This causes Elizabeth’s outgoing nature and her ability to carry herself as confidently as she
The Elizabethan period began as the reign of the daughter of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I began as well. However this era wasn’t named because of Elizabeth I herself, although she had done many notable things while she ruled including pouring money into London’s arts scene, building the city’s first theatres, and sponsoring productions. Her patronization of the arts is of no question since the queen herself loved