BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Yes, this is a hanging wall plaque but it is so much more than this from many aspects ...
The artwork may, at first glance, appear to be a lady in "period" clothing riding her horse but this is actually a replica of the 2nd Great Seal used in the English Royal Household from 1584 by Elizabeth I, the Tudor period.
Elizabeth I was probably the most innovative monarch of the period and she liked to project a powerful public image. This is actually the reverse side of the two sided seal and the artwork has comprehensive symbolism, if you look for it.
Before pointing out some of the most important symbolism on this Great Seal (version 2), I should point out that although large (by seal standards), it is actually a good indication of the actual, original Great Seal at 5.5" - this is not an "enlarged version" Imagine what this seal must have looked like when impressed onto documents!
Oh, I hear you asking enquiringly, just what was this seal used for?
The Great Seal was the most important official seal and used to guarantee the authenticity of the document to which it was applied and to symbolise the Sovereign's assent to the matters contained therein. In fact, the receiver of such sealed documents could judge the importance of the documents (or the receiver) by the type of seal used by the monarchy when despatching documents pertaining to the State.
Being the queen in the 1500's was not an easy duty for Queen Elizabeth I, she was entering middle-age, childless, contending with various Catholic plots against her plus a conflict with Spain looming. In an effort to bolster her image she wanted to create a new, powerful icon ... the updated (Second) Great Seal. She instructed Nicholas Hillard, her official limner (or miniature painter), and Derrick Anthony (a goldsmith and her "graver of the mint") to design a new and grand Great Seal which was to be "of a connueniet massiveness meete for the work" ... that's Old English "speak" for 'make it larger' than the original First Seal (which was just under 5" diameter)
The "New Improved" Second Great Seal came into being in 1584 and it's use was continued right through to 1603.
As mentioned above, symbolism abounds in the design of this seal ... here are some features of note
Elizabeth I is side saddle riding her horse, flanked by Royal Arms with the clouds parting above Elizabeth and the sun's rays shine down on her. She is holding the orb and sceptre (symbols of her spiritual and temporal power) and is crossing a meadow which is burgeoning with rose blossom and lilies (symbolic God's blessing, hope and prosperity) Collectively, the image being created is that of the Queen's virtuousness, bounty, courtly femininity with strength but without the often used military attire.
She is surrounded by yet more symbolism ... being flanked by the symbols of her dominions (each with a crown above them) i.e the Tudor Rose of England; the Fleur-de-Lys of France (a stylized, three-petaled Lily flower emblem tied to French Royalty) and the Harp of Ireland (this was to be the first depiction of an Irish Harp in Tudor seals).
But wait there's more ....
The rich imagery within the seal is complimented by Latin text running around the outer edge of the seal, this text reads ...
ELIZABETHA DEI GRACIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET HIBERNIE REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR
Yes, you guessed it, more self promotion by her Majesty!
In broad terms, the Latin can be translated into 'modern' English as ...
ELIZABETH, BY GRACE OF GOD, QUEEN OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH
In summary, perhaps you can understand now the true significance of the Great Seal from so many perspectives
Now, let me give some details about this SPECIFIC replica, this in itself is also very interesting.
This item is one of many that were created by Marcus Design (also referred to as Marcus Replicas), with the master sculptor being Dennis Morton and Brian Flannery as the Director. The company was located in Bottesford, Leicestershire, England and began operations in the late 1960's.
Most well known for the extensive range of beautifully crafted 'chalkware' but they also produced resin based products I believe, if you look around online, there are many folks offering various examples of these very collectable pieces of artwork.
Now what absolutely got my attention with this Second Great Seal is the materials used, the skill with which it has been created and the finish used.
I 'think' this may be Chalkware but then again, perhaps it is resin based. I am not willing to drill a hole into the plaque to find out!
Unlike many of Marcus Design creations, there is only one colour - Golden/Brass or even Bronze like appearance. I say 'appearance" because initially I would have sworn this was a beaten or pressed metal finish but OH NO! Although it has the appearance of metal, the finish is actually some type of metallic paint or coating. The base material is completely enclosed so there is no way of "taking a peek" at the material used. As my background is in electronics, I even made resistance tests all over the artwork (there is no wax or other sealant used) and this is definitely NOT metal, all measurements between any two points show as infinity resistance. I am truly in awe at this, it just looks so much like the 'real deal'
After this very convoluted introduction, let's get down to some real details about this wall plaque
MARCUS DESIGN - Hanging Wall Plaque
Made in England
Hand Crafted
Elizabeth I Royal Great Seal (Second Version, Reverse Side)
Seal Circa 1584 ~ 1603
REPLICA (Of course, the original Silver matrix's were usually defaced or destroyed upon the monarch dying)
Circa this replica 1970's ~ 1980's
Chalkware or Resin base material, I am not sure which although this is definitely not solid metal
5.5 Inchs (140mm) diameter x 13mm thickness
Hanging weight: 160g
SPECIAL NOTES REGARDING CLEANING
We have never liked the 'natural patina' look and kept our various metalwares looking clean (and shiny if possible) Some believe otherwise ... different strokes for different folks
DO NOT use metal cleaner or similar products to clean this artwork, you may end up damaging it! We found that a soft brushing here and there plus a nice vigorous (but not aggressive) rubbing with a "Silver Polishing" soft cloth did the job fine without scratching the artwork. We do not know just how thick that special 'metallic like' finish is and you wouldn't want to wear it away! Over the years we have found it easy to keep reasonably clean, without it looking like it was brand new. Just a "rub up" every few months did the trick. In fact, it's a funny thing about the finish that Marcus Design has created, in little nooks and crannies I can see a slight Greenish look, just as though it was real Copper based (Copper has a distinctive Green look when oxidised) Another reason why I had to be picked up off the floor when I realised this is not real metal at all - so authentic looking!
COSMETIC CONDITION:
CLEAN
Reasonable level of lustre or shine to the metal like finish, with just some small areas of dullness, these creating an overall air of authenticity I guess.
NO damage to the plaque at all i.e no missing pieces, chunks taken out or cracks!
Now that the photographs are done with, I have taken this plaque off the wall and placed it within a completely sealed, clear plastic packaging while it awaits a new owner who will cherish it long after we have gone!
