Historical Research

Portraiture existed long before the invention of the camera, therefore our only visual recollections of historical kings, queens and nobles are paintings. We rely on these as a way of understanding what these people actually looked like.
Albrecht Durer - Self Portrait

This is a self portrait done by German artist Albretch Durer. This specific painting is quite remarkable as it is the very first example of of self portraiture. Duruer had introduced something incredibly unique within the art medium which nobody ever considered before. It wasn't thought logical for artist to create a portrait themselves and why would they need to when they were paid to paint others? 
To have your portrait painted back in the 1500's fundamentally meant that you had significance and your social status was worthy enough to allow you to experience luxuries such as this. Looking more closely at Durer's self portrait it's extremely easy to derive the religious associations that have been implied. Durer is simply portraying himself as an artist in the guise of Jesus Christ. This portrait is also a form of self expression Durer is     announcing himself onto the world stating who he and what he is. It also interesting to point out that he actually singed this piece of  work which suggests a sense possession and authenticity. If we were to link this to modern day photograph we'd find a relative similarity in the way most photographers also label themselves to their images in order to preserve ownership. 
Marcus Gheeraerts - Elizabeth I

First thing you notice and which is typical of Elizabethan paintings are proportions of the body, the ridiculously pinched in waist, gigantic arms and ballooned out legs have all been overly exaggerated for dramatic effect. Here we see the one of our most notable Queens looking immensely stern standing on a map of the south coast of England. Towards the right side of her shoulder a storm cloud and lighting fill the frame. When someone is standing on the map the instant assumption is that they are the ruler in dominion. This particular portrait reflects the occurrence of the Spanish Armada one of the many challenging events that Elizabeth faced during her reign. The south coast directly faces the Spanish enemy and was at the time vulnerable to invasion. Standing over the map indicates Elizabeth's determination to protect the country. She's also glaring back intimidating her opponent to signify that she won't give up without a fight. This was a very forceful attitude coming from Queen, seeing as most the monarchy had been dominated by kings. Initially Elizabeth was not presumed to rule for very long given the criticism she received, however this painting reaffirms her authority and control and the lighting bolt reflects her ferocious temper. 
John Taylor - William Shakespeare

Another portrait of an instantly recognisable individual. This  painting is an official a from life portrait, meaning that Shakespeare was in presence, sitting before Taylor whilst he worked on the painting. It's was the first portrait to be acquired by the National Portrait Gallery and as a consequence used time and time again to portray Shakespeare. The earring in his left ear is another significant attribute as it infers something his about character. He is wealthy, noble and highly respected.