Eunice Olumide on the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I

Fashion. Luxury. Exploitation?

Supermodel Eunice Olumide explores the hidden symbolism of the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, one of the most iconic paintings of the Tudor Queen.

The painting shows Elizabeth I wearing rare pearl necklaces and rich silk fabrics. But is there a cost to all this Tudor luxury?

The portrait was painted at a key moment in English history, just as the first colonies were being established in America. Elizabeth is painted with her hand on a map of the world, her finger pointing towards America. Is this the start of the British Empire?

What do you see?

See the three surviving versions of the Armada Portrait at the free art exhibition Faces of a Queen.

Visit the Queen's House Art Gallery in Greenwich now.

Find out more: https://www.rmg.co.uk/facesofaqueen

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