In a Reformation kingdom ill-used to queens, Elizabeth I needed a very particular image to hold her divided country together. The 'Cult of Gloriana' would elevate the queen to the status of a virgin goddess, aided by authors, musicians, and artists such as Spenser, Shakespeare, Hilliard, Tallis and Byrd. Her image was widely owned and distributed, thanks to the expansion of printing, and the English came to surpass their European counterparts in miniature painting, allowing courtiers to carry a likeness of their sovereign close to their hearts.

Sumptuously illustrated, Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the Art of Queenship tells the story of Elizabethan art as a powerful device for royal magnificence and propaganda, illuminating several key artworks of Elizabeth's reign to create a portrait of the Tudor monarch as she has never been seen before.

About the Author
Linda Collins holds a BA in early Italian art and an MA in the works of Georges de La Tour. She is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society. Siobhan Clarke is a historian and lecturer. She has written for BBC History Magazine and featured on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. has a BA in modern history and has worked for Historic Royal Palaces for 20 years.

Reviews
"An introduction to the wonderful art of the Elizabethan age." -- Tudor Times
"Utterly fascinating and so well researched." -- Tudor Blogger
"If you're interested in Elizabeth I & her image & portraiture you won't want to miss Gloriana." -- Dr Nicola Tallis
"Fascinating insights into what portraiture can reveal about Elizabeth I." -- Sarah Gristwood
"Beautifully illustrated and highly recommended!" -- Alison Weir
"GLORIANA does an incredible job of covering each aspect of Elizabeth's life and the Cult of Gloriana..." * All About History *



Book Information
ISBN 9780750997546
Author Linda Collins
Format Hardback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 19mm