Saturday, June 11, 2011

Illustration Friday: Swept

I really loved working on this illustration. I've always been fascinated with Elizabeth I. She was known as The Virgin Queen, but that wasn't because she lacked suitors. There was Philip of Spain, King Eric XIV of Sweden, and The Duke of Anjou (who she loving called "her frog"). However, it was Robert Dudley that swept her off her feet.


Robert, the first Earl of Leicester never married the Queen due to a series of unfortunate events. When his first wife, Amy Robsart, fell down a flight of stairs and died, he was free to marry the Queen. However, the rumors that he arranged for Amy's death caused too much of a scandal and ruined his chances. For 18 years he did not remarry for Queen Elizabeth's sake and when he finally did, his new wife, Lettice Knollys, was permanently banished from the court.

Double click for a larger view.

Visit Illustration Friday HERE.

9 comments:

  1. Wonderful imagery! You might want to look at "Doom Queens" by Kris Waldherr! I think you will enjoy if you haven't seen the book yet! :)

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  2. I will probably order it today Indigene!! That sounds divine!

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  3. Fantastic details and a great expression for the Queen. I like reading about the history as well on your post.

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  4. This is absolutely GORGEOUS, Lisa! I love the illustration, and your lettering is divine..awesome!

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  5. So pretty! The patterns, her expression, the lettering...perfection!

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  6. A beautifully detailed piece. Love it!

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  7. Very Elizabeth! I particularly like the treatment of the collar and the lettering.

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