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Queen Mary of England

Niccolò Nelli

1568

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Portrait

Dominant colour

Queen Mary of England is a 1568 ink by Niccolò Nelli, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Niccolò Nelli
When & what style?: 1568 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a black-and-white portrait of a woman’s head and shoulders. She wears a fancy collar and a pearl necklace. Her hair is pulled back neatly, and she faces slightly to the side. The border around her is packed with swirling designs, letters, and tiny flowers. The text spells out her name in Latin: *FRANCET. HIB. REGINA ANGL. ET. HIB.* (Queen of France and England). This is made using engraving.