George Peter Alexander Healy, after a portrait attributed to Marcus Geeraerts the Younger – Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland in 1558, in ballet costume as Iris, known as the Rainbow Portrait Château de Versailles

Here we observe a half-length portrait of a woman presented in a theatrical and highly symbolic manner. The subject is positioned slightly off-center against a dark, almost featureless background that emphasizes her presence. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer with an expression that blends authority and a certain melancholy.
The artist has rendered the figure in rich, saturated colors, dominated by shades of orange, gold, and deep brown. The elaborate costume contributes significantly to the overall effect. A sumptuous gown, seemingly constructed from layers of shimmering fabric, drapes across her form, its folds meticulously detailed to suggest both opulence and movement. Over this, a dark cloak is thrown, partially obscuring one shoulder and adding an element of mystery.
The woman’s hair is intricately styled and adorned with jewels and pearls, further reinforcing the impression of regal splendor. A complex arrangement of necklaces and pendants encircles her neck, drawing attention to her face and emphasizing its pale complexion. In her hand, she holds a slender object – perhaps a staff or scepter – which she manipulates with a gesture that suggests both control and grace.
The inscription Non-sine sole Iris is visible near the subject’s left shoulder. This Latin phrase translates to “Without the sun, Iris,” referencing the mythological figure of Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows and messenger of the gods. The association with Iris introduces a layer of allegorical meaning; it suggests that the woman embodies beauty, communication, and divine favor – qualities often attributed to rulers.
The overall composition conveys an image of power tempered by introspection. The theatricality of the costume and pose, combined with the symbolic inscription, implies a deliberate construction of identity – a carefully curated persona designed to project strength, wisdom, and connection to something larger than herself. The dark background serves not only to isolate the figure but also to create a sense of dramatic depth, hinting at complexities beyond the surface presentation.