Beyond the historic accomplishments of her reign, Elizabeth I has become a legend. It is impossible to disentangle the threads of history and myth within her image. Since the queen’s death in 1603, she has been a subject for poets, historians, composers, film-makers, and authors of pulp fiction. This exhibition explores the life and reign of this remarkable queen, examining how her unique personality was forged and why her legend has endured.
Elizabeth I: Ruler and Legend was made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Generous support was also provided by the Vance Family Fund and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The exhibition was on view at the Newberry from September 23, 2003 to January 17, 2004.