“When I received this [coronation] ring I solemnly pledged myself in marriage to the kingdom, and it will be quite sufficient for the memorial of my name and for my glory , if, when I die, an inscription shall be engraved on a marble tomb, saying: "Here lies Elizabeth, who reigned a virgin and died a virgin." Unfortunately these words had become spasmodic during her reign as queen. Queen Elizabeth was in a constant battle with Parliament to be able to marry and leave an heir to the throne. She never married and truly died a virgin. Queen Elizabeth was often depicted in many paintings as a virgin and a pure, royal person, with a strong political mind and committed to seeking peace in her kingdom. The depiction of the queen's purity and her commitment to peace in her kingdom, as she fought parliament for not having an heir to the throne and other political obstacles she faced can be symbolized in the painting "Portrait of the Ermine". that when the Queen or anyone commissioned a painting of the Queen, the artist had to be of great distinction and follow all guidelines set out by the Queen. Nicholas Hilliard was a great miniaturist of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Although he is now credited with painting the “Portrait of an Ermine” in 1585, William Segar was credited with painting it for many years. Nicholas Hilliard was sent to Geneva as a child by his father to escape the Marian persecution of people of the Protestant faith. While in Geneva he lived with John Bodley, who was a staunch Protestant. Having grown up with such a strong Protestant background, it is natural to assume that Hilliard was also steadfast in his Protestant faith. While with... middle of the paper......journey towards peace and his commitment to justice.BibliographyChambelin, Fredrick. The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth I. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1923.Grand Ladies. 2009. http://www.gogmsite.net/the_late_farthingale_era_fr/minialbum_queen_elizabeth_o/1585_ermine_ritratto_by_nic.html (accessed May 20, 2012).Mueller, Janel. Correspondence between Queen Elizabeth I and James VI. May 5, 2000. http://fathom.lib.uchicago.edu/1/777777122584/ (accessed May 20, 2012). Strong, Roy. "Gloriana: Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I." New York: Thames and Hudon, 1987.—. Gloriana: Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc., 1987. Trueman, Chris. Site for learning history. 2010-2012. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/elizabethspain.htm (accessed 20 May 2012). Turner, Jane. The dictionary of art. New York: Grove Dictionaries, 1996.