This locket encloses a miniature of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). According to tradition, the jewel was given by the queen to Sir Thomas Heneage. He was a Privy Counsellor and Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household. The jewel remained in the possession of the Heneage family until 1902. It has sometimes been called the Armada Jewel. However, it was probably made in about 1595, some years after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
The reverse shows a ship holding steady on a stormy sea. It symbolises the Protestant church steered by Elizabeth through religious turmoil.
Physical description
Enamelled gold, set with table-cut diamonds and Burmese rubies. Obverse, a bust in gold under rock crystal of Elizabeth I, apparently a version of the Garter Badge of about 1585, surrounded by inscription. Inside, a miniature of the Queen by Nicholas Hilliard. The hinged back of the locket is enamelled outside with the Ark of the English Church on a stormy sea and an inscription. The back of the locket is enamelled inside with a Tudor rose encircled by leaves and an inscription.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (made)
Date
ca. 1595 (made)
Artist/maker
Hilliard, Nicholas, born 1542 - died 1619 (painter)
Materials and Techniques
Enamelled gold, table-cut diamonds, Burmese rubies, rock crystal and a miniature
Marks and inscriptions
'ELIZABETHA D.G. ANG. FRA. ET. HIB. REGINA' Elizabeth, by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland)
'SAEVAS. TRANQUILLA. PER. VNDAS' peaceful through the fierce waves
'Hei mihi quod tanto virtus perfusa decore non habet eternos inviolata dies' Alas, that so much virtue suffused with beauty should not last for ever inviolate
Dimensions
Height: 7 cm, Width: 5.1 cm
Object history note
According to tradition, the jewel was given by Elizabeth I to Sir Thomas Heneage (died 1595), a Privy Counsellor and Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household. The jewel remained in the possession of the Heneage family until 1902.
Historical context note
The inscription 'Hei mihi quod ...' appears on the reverse of the Phoenix medal of 1574.
The inscription 'SAEVAS. TRANQUILA ...' is an allusion to the Queen's function as Defender of the Faith
Descriptive line
The Heneage or Armada Jewel, English, about 1595
Exhibition History
Artists of the Tudor Court: the portrait miniature rediscovered, 1520-1620 (Victoria and Albert Museum 09/07/1983-06/11/19833)
Elizabeth I (National Maritime Museum 01/05/2003-14/09/2003)
Saved! 100 Years of the National Art Collections Fund (Hayward Gallery, London 23/10/2003-18/01/2004)
Production Note
Hilliard was the painter of the miniature which is enclosed within the jewel.
Materials
Silver; Gold; Diamond; Ruby; Rock crystal
Subjects depicted
Elizabeth I (Queen of England and Wales); Tudor rose; Ark
Categories
Jewellery
Collection code
MET
