---
title: Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait
author: Nicholas Hilliard
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/12285/elizabeth-i-pelican-portrait/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait
_Authored by Nicholas Hilliard_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/12285.jpg)
## Image Caption
The c. 1574 CE 'Pelican Portrait' by Nicholas Hilliard of [Elizabeth I of England](https://www.worldhistory.org/Elizabeth_I_of_England/) (r. 1558-1603 CE). The portrait takes its name from the brooch the queen is wearing over her dress studded with pearls and square-cut jewels. The pelican was a symbol of charity and redemption since, when necessity required, the mother bird pierces her own chest so that her young may feed on her blood. The queen is, therefore, demonstrating her sacrifice in ruling, unmarried, uniquely for the good of her people. The Tudor Rose, symbol of Elizabeth's family dynasty, can be seen on the left, and on the right is the fleur-de-lis, representing [England](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/england/)'s ongoing claim to the French throne. Above both symbols is an arched imperial crown.
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, England.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Hilliard, N. (2020, May 22). Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Hilliard, Nicholas. "Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 22, 2020. .
### MLA
Hilliard, Nicholas. "Elizabeth I Pelican Portrait." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 May 2020, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nicholas_Hilliard_(called)_-_Portrait_of_Queen_Elizabeth_I_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) by [**Nicholas Hilliard**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nicholas_Hilliard_(called)_-_Portrait_of_Queen_Elizabeth_I_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 22 May 2020. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.