Why Queen Elizabeth’s Dress is Covered With Eyes and Ears

A painting dripping with symbolism

The Rainbow Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I (c.1602). Attributed to Isaac Oliver. Oil on canvas. 127 × 99.1 cm. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, UK. Image source Wikimedia Commons

This image is known as the Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I, who was the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until 1603.

The title of the painting comes from the curious shape that Elizabeth clutches in her right hand, which is in fact a rainbow. The rainbow is a symbol of peace…