This was super fun to read, and now I'm wondering what qualities female virility encompasses, if not fertility (not that it needs to, but precisely because it does not or at least should not)? It's such an intriguing concept...
Hmm, this is making me think of many things, all to be worked out. For example, whether “virility,” at least in portraiture, has less to do with biological potency (in terms of reproduction, say) than with a part of the body as a kind of focal point of power, and a part that somehow takes on specific gendered connotations. Or to get more psychoanalytical about it — how does Elizabeth make up for her supposed “lack” with another, different, body part?
Further to the below, which I have actually deleted because you now have me really thinking about this. I love this idea - that saying “NO” is a form of female virility. And that the “NO” is embodied in Elizabeth’s hands, free of the rings that would have signified marriage (at least in some pictures). At the same time, the “NO” is a refusal of marriage, but the bare hand is not necessarily a denial of fertility, which would have made her seem less “womanly.” This way Elizabeth gets to have it both ways: she refuses marriage, but gives no suggestion that somehow her fertility has been compromised. But only a woman in her position would have been able to refuse in this way. It’s powerful, unique, and distinctly feminine.
Thank you so much for reading and subscribing! I love that portrait too. I’m sure Elizabeth did as well - here she was at the height of her powers after defeating the Spanish Armada, holding the world in her hand. I’d gloat a little too if I were her! Plus the portraitist made sure to make her hair and skin look especially good, and Elizabeth really cared about that.
Fascinating analysis! I really hope you’re working on another book! Loved Young Queens and so enjoy your newsletter.
Thank you so much! Yes, I am working on another book. Slow going, but it will get there.
This essay was such fun! My eyes were often drawn to the hands in these portraits - I love how you interpret them!
This was super fun to read, and now I'm wondering what qualities female virility encompasses, if not fertility (not that it needs to, but precisely because it does not or at least should not)? It's such an intriguing concept...
Hmm, this is making me think of many things, all to be worked out. For example, whether “virility,” at least in portraiture, has less to do with biological potency (in terms of reproduction, say) than with a part of the body as a kind of focal point of power, and a part that somehow takes on specific gendered connotations. Or to get more psychoanalytical about it — how does Elizabeth make up for her supposed “lack” with another, different, body part?
Perhaps Elizabeth's virility is precisely the fact that she said "NO" to all those dudes?
Further to the below, which I have actually deleted because you now have me really thinking about this. I love this idea - that saying “NO” is a form of female virility. And that the “NO” is embodied in Elizabeth’s hands, free of the rings that would have signified marriage (at least in some pictures). At the same time, the “NO” is a refusal of marriage, but the bare hand is not necessarily a denial of fertility, which would have made her seem less “womanly.” This way Elizabeth gets to have it both ways: she refuses marriage, but gives no suggestion that somehow her fertility has been compromised. But only a woman in her position would have been able to refuse in this way. It’s powerful, unique, and distinctly feminine.
Yes to all of this! Exactly.
This is a fantastic post! All of the paintings of Elizabeth are beautiful, but my favorite is the one with the globe!
Thank you so much for reading and subscribing! I love that portrait too. I’m sure Elizabeth did as well - here she was at the height of her powers after defeating the Spanish Armada, holding the world in her hand. I’d gloat a little too if I were her! Plus the portraitist made sure to make her hair and skin look especially good, and Elizabeth really cared about that.
Loved this fun holiday post! What power those long fingers held!