WHAT? Elizabeth I: Queen and Court

WHERE? Philip Mould & Company, 18-19 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5LU

WHEN? Now until 10th July. Free to view

WHY GO? For a taste of Tudor history. Step inside the hushed and hallowed Pall Mall gallery to dream of owning a magnificent painting curated by art dealer Philip Mould for those that can afford such luxuries and those that are curious about what the mega rich art collector buys. Mould’s knowledge of Tudor art is legendary and this truly special small exhibition showcases rarely shown paintings focusing on Queen Elizabeth I and her court. Four stunning paintings portray the most iconic Queen in history as she grows in stature from a young Tudor princess to the famous Virgin Queen and demonstrates how effective a tool portraiture was in asserting power. Originally reluctant to be painted, Elizabeth soon recognised how important it was to project herself as a sovereign and was thus the first ‘celebrity’ queen. Through her lavish clothes and ornate jewellery she sent a message throughout her court and others followed suit. She is surrounded by portraits of her powerful ministers like William Cecil, Lord Burghley and her favourite Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, plus poignantly, one solitary image of the tragic Mary, Queen of Scots. While the artists may not be names we are familiar with, the famous Tudor faces are those ingrained in history books and will always be a source of fascination to art history buffs.

IN THE KNOW? Displayed alongside is a portrait of John Stubbs, who was unfortunate enough to have his right hand severed for publishing a pamphlet criticising the Queen’s proposed marriage to the Catholic, Francis Duke of Anjou. His severed hand is painted separately, a grim reminder that portraiture also documented rebellion, and as history records, the marriage never happened!