Portrait of ‘bloody finery’ and ‘plundered treasures’ to go on display at The Box

An iconic painting of a famous Tudor monarch is set to be unveiled at The Box on Saturday 11 February.

The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I is arguably one of the most recognisable depictions of the queen who reigned for more than forty years, from 1558 until 1603. One of three known versions that still survive today, it’s on loan to the city from The Woburn Abbey Collection.

The life-size portrait shows Elizabeth at the height of her supremacy, almost religious in status; her pale face and hands surrounded by symbols of wealth and power. It commemorates the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 – a defining historical moment for Plymouth, England and the world beyond.

The Queen is shown in triumph wearing precious pearls and a luxurious dress of silk and lace. A large jewelled crown is placed on a table next to her. The palm of her right hand rests on a globe as she holds the whole world in her hand. A wrecked and storm-lashed Spanish fleet are shown behind her on the right. On the other side of the painting, the English fleet sails through calm seas.

“Plymouth is indelibly associated with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and having The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on display at The Box is an amazing opportunity to see one of the most famous images of the queen associated with it,” says Dr Elaine Murphy, Associate Professor of Maritime History at the University of Plymouth. “The naval action scenes showing the formations of the fleets and sinking Spanish ships are of particular interest as the English fleet that fought against the Armada sailed from Plymouth.”

The portrait will be displayed alongside key items and updated information relating to Sir Francis Drake in The Box’s 100 Journeys gallery throughout 2023.

The gallery examines well-known voyages and expeditions that have started or finished in Plymouth and it’s giving staff the chance to revisit and reshape traditional narratives about the city’s role in world history. It’s a vital piece of work that forms part of The Box’s commitment to decolonisation; a long-term aim to recognise the role that empire has played in museums and address outdated approaches to collecting and interpretation. Visitors who view the portrait will have the chance to share their thoughts about how we can learn from the past to help build a better future.

“Throughout the 1500s and for centuries that followed, England and Spain were bitter rivals for control of the ocean’s trade routes. The stakes were high and the legacies of the empires they created still shape lives today,” said curator Tabitha Cadbury. “Elizabeth I is known for being a survivor – a powerful woman in a man’s world; but during her reign, exploration and discovery went hand-in-hand with plunder and invasion. Being able to display The Armada Portrait over the next few months, means we can do the vitally important work of highlighting both sides of the story.”

The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I will be on display at The Box from 11 February 2023 until 7 January 2024. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays. Admission is free and there’s no need to book. More information is available online at www.theboxplymouth.com