Episode 164: Somewhere in the Middle
The History of English Podcast
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On Messier's Departure
Elizabeth's courtship with Francis ended in 1581. She was 46 years old and he was only 24. At her age it became increasingly clear that she would never produce an heir, and she would die a virgin queen. A series of portraits were produced that featured Elizabeth holding a sieve. Those paintings are notable because the sieve was a symbol of virginity.
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