... an Italian visitor, Francesco Gardening, described her as "short, and ruddy in complexion; very strong built" (Strong, pg. 19). An agent of Henry IV's, referred to her in 1597 as looking old, her face being long and thin, her teeth yellow and decayed, but her figure being fair, tall ... definitely a record of her famous wardrobe. The Queen used diverse attires, Italian, Spanish, and French, as the occasion served. Dress played an important part of sixteenth-century life, and has great significance in her portraits. Portraits of Elizabeth could reflect political position. In January of 15...

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• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School