Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth

Martin Droeshout

1610

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white engraving shows a woman in a long robe and crown, standing in front of a book and a stage. Two cherubs hold a crown above her head. A cityscape is drawn on the right side, labeled "Woodstock." The woman looks upward, as if listening to words written in the sky: *"Many daughters have done well but thou surpassest them all."* The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, especially in the folds of her dress and the city’s buildings. The text and crown suggest this is a portrait meant to honor her. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal.

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