New Elizabethans: Portraits and Symbolism (+ own self portrait)

Even in modern portraits and photographs, people still have status symbols. However, of course, they now have a more modern feel compared to Elizabethan symbols. For example, luxuries like pearls have become statement necklaces, elaborate dresses have become branded clothes, crowns or headdresses may have become other accessories like watches. Despite the development, they still follow a theme; clothes and accessories hark back to older times, yet still now, make the person in the image seem important. Sometimes, this importance is communicated through traditional clothes or objects; for example in the Elizabethan era, in the Queen's coronation portrait, she wears the cloth of gold previously worn by Mary I at her coronation, and she holds the orb and sceptre which show authority; similarly, we still wear or hold traditional items in today's portraits, such as at weddings - a wedding dress, veil, and bouquet.

This portrait by Yu Tsai shows wealth through the model's clothing. Her shoes, bracelets, the material of the garment and how her hair has been styled all appear luxurious. Also, the location in the background is picturesque. The movement captured and her facial expression demonstrate confidence and power.

In this photo the sunglasses, necklace, earring and bag strap imply wealth, and when contrasted with the relaxed hairstyle and casual clothing it shows a confidence, suggests an awareness of the wealth, and creates a carefree attitude. Roses are typically symbols of love or beauty, and the positioning of the rose in this picture, on the model's chest, supports this; however the dark shade suggests perhaps a tainted kind of love, or maybe heartbreak.

The striking red tie and shoes in this image symbolise wealth, power, love, danger, and more. The background and gun further the idea of danger, but the confident stance and facial expression create a more relaxed effect.

This self portrait holds symbolic references about me. The background shows my friends, and the fact that I have many photos of them shows how important they, and the memories we share, are to me. I wear casual clothes, implying a relaxed personality, and also showing I am not the wealthiest character - contrasting this, the jewellery I hold, the style of my hair and the make-up I am using, shows I still have an eye for luxurious items. I am seen doing my make-up, simply showing my interests and hobbies, and holding a wine glass to represent how I like to have fun and go out! I faded the photo slightly after it was taken, symbolising my love for previous eras such as the 80s.