Simon van de Passe worked at the court of James I (r.1603–25), and was commissioned to produce a series of engraved portrait medallions of members of the King’s family, which included this portrait of his cousin Elizabeth I in her ‘Armada dress’ which she wore at a thanksgiving ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral for the defeat of the Spanish Armada. This image is based on a portrait miniature by Isaac Oliver. This medallion is a rare – possibly unique – survival made of gold. Usually made from silver, portrait medallions could be worn as pendants, and were often presented as gifts to loyal courtiers.

Adapted from the catalogue entries from "Gold", London, 2014 and “Monarchy, Money & Medals” London, 2018