Lettice Knollys
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lettice_Knollys, viewed 01.11.15, Lettice Knollys as countess of Leicester, 1585, by George Gower
I have chosen to study Lettice Knollys as my makeup inspiration for my assessment, I wanted to choose one of the ladies in waiting who were close to Elizabeth, but had something different. Lettice was described in my research as someone with a lot of confidence, she wasn't afraid of Elizabeth's power, she considered her just a cousin and not a boss. She was always close to Elizabeth but was described more beautiful and seemed desired by many. She exemplified the Tudor beauty ideals, she had natural red/gold hair and a porcelain complexion, she was sought after by many. This would have angered Elizabeth as her vanity grew with age and time.
Although she worked for Elizabeth very closely; she was her maid of honour (a title given to an unmarried attendant) I think Elizabeth kept her so close to keep an eye on her 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer.' I think Elizabeth was very jealous of her and would belittle her often and make her feel less of a person compared to the Queen.
I interpret Lettice as a wild individual with a strong personality, she was ambitious and knew what she wanted. She was charming and beautiful, which she knew and would use her charm very effectively to get what she wanted. She was in a secret relationship with elizabeths one love, Robert Dudley, she was determined to be with him and therefore ENSURED she got pregnant. I think if this was a modern day woman, she would be very powerful, beautiful and have her own television show!
Here is an example of a TV show I can image Lettice would have been in, these women are rich, vain, they ensure they stay beautiful and are very independent. Although have made money from marrying a man, have made more by starting their own business. These women know they are beautiful and use their charms just like Lettice to get what they want.
Producers Claim Bravo Ripped Them Off Over 'Real Housewives' | TVWeek, www.tvweek.com, the real housewives of orange country-title, viewed 03.11.15, (digital image)
Some of the key words I have come up with to describe Lettice and these women are:
Some of the key words I have come up with to describe Lettice and these women are:
- Bold
- Colourful
- bright
- vibrant
- strong
- seductive
- charming
- elegant
- determined
- independent
- cougar! Lettice went after young men too
- beautiful
- ambitious
Sienna Guillory played Lettice Knollys in the film The Virgin Queen planned to be released in 2005, in these images it illustrates how her beauty changed with age, her hair transformed in the same way as Elizabeth I, and her makeup became more paste as time moved on. This was a good representation of Lettice, from my research it shows she was very beautiful and actress Sienna played the role well.
All three images from: http://www.themakeupgallery.info/period/c16/uk/lettice.htm, Lettice Knollys as seen in The Virgin Queen movie, Sienna Guillory, viewed 03.11.15, (digital image)
My next steps are to create a variety of face charts to interpret my ideas into a makeup style inspired by the housewives and Lettice's personalty.
