The Armada and Propaganda

What was the Armada Portrait?

The Armada Portrait, from 1588, is thought to have been painted by George Gower. However, there is some uncertainty on this.

Why was the Armada Portrait considered propaganda?

The Armada Portrait can be considered propaganda for the following reasons:

• ❖ In the portrait, Elizabeth has her hand on a globe with her fingers on the Americas. This implies she has claim to the area owned by the Spanish.
• ❖ The left of the portrait shows the Armada being destroyed by English fire ships, which is not what really happened.
• ❖ Elizabeth is wearing grand clothes, intended to make her look powerful.