The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I

The iconic Armada portrait commemorates the most famous conflict of Elizabeth I's reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in summer 1588.

The painting is on permanent public display in the Queen's Presence Chamber in the Queen’s House, on the site of the original Greenwich Palace – the birthplace of Elizabeth I. 

The Armada Portrait summarises the hopes and aspirations of the nation at a watershed moment in history. The portrait was also designed to be a spectacle of female power and majesty, carefully calculated to inspire awe and wonder.

See the Armada Portrait for free at the Queen's House, and discover the story of the painting below.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I has taken pride of place in the Queen's House since 2017. 

The painting had previously been owned by descendants of Sir Francis Drake, but was was acquired for the nation following a major public appeal and grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Armada Portrait entered public ownership for the first time in its 425-year-history when it was acquired by Royal Museums Greenwich. In order to preserve the painting's fragile painted surfaces, conservators undertook essential work on the work.

During the conservation, paint analysis revealed that the seascapes were likely painted over in the early 18th century. The original seascapes were still hidden underneath.