Very few of Elizabeth's subjects would have ever seen her in person – most would have known her image from coins, seals, medals, popular prints and panel paintings, such as this. 'Elizabeth I with the cardinal and theological virtues', painted about 1598, was commissioned by the Corporation of Dover to be displayed in the town hall in Dover, Kent.

Elizabeth is portrayed as the Head of State in her parliament robes of crimson velvet lined with ermine. Female figures on the medallions on the pillar behind her, associate her with the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity and the cardinal virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Fortitude – just the qualities one wants in a leader.

Although painted in the 40th year of her reign, Elizabeth is portrayed as a young woman. It is worth recalling that the function of royal portraits was not to capture the likeness of a person, but to serve as an emblem of monarchy. Thus the aim of this painting was not to portray a 65-year old woman, but to glorify Elizabeth's authority and the stability of her reign, and to express Dover's loyalty and devotion to her.

Very few artists had the opportunity to paint the Queen from life – most worked from approved 'face patterns' derived from official portraits. As she aged, her image was more tightly controlled, with an official proclamation of 1596 ordering any 'unseemly' portraits to be destroyed. While the so-called 'mask of youth' was flattering to Elizabeth, it also served a broader purpose; for by this time Elizabeth had become an icon of stability and national independence. It was perhaps thought far better for Elizabeth to remain forever young than to ponder what might follow her death.

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