Queen Elizabeth I, Second Great Seal
Designer
Nicholas Hilliard
(British, 1547-1619)
CultureBritish
Dateafter 1584
Mediumwax and remnant parchment
Dimensions6 9/16 × 4 15/16 in. (16.7 × 12.5 cm)
Classificationssculpture
Credit LineThe Michael N. Joyner Collection
Object number2023.24.34
DescriptionThis second seal was in use from 1586-1603. An impressive example of Elizabethan iconography and expressions of power. Queen Elizabeth I is shown on the recto enthroned and on the verso on horseback. She is surrounded by symbols of her kingdoms, including a fleur-de-lis, the Tudor Rose, and the Irish harp. The legend around the seal reads: ELIZABETHA DEI GRACIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET HIBERNE REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR (Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France, and Ireland.)On View
Not on viewCollections
