Raoul Dufy (French, 1877-1953), Autoportrait, 1901. Watercolour on paper, 28 x 19 cm.
Когда он умер, все его ругают, посмеиваются. Только одна женщина рыдает безудержно, и та сама не знает — о чем.
In March 1603 Queen Elizabeth was clearly unwell and seemed depressed. She retired to one of her favourite homes - Richmond Palace. Stubborn as ever she refused to allow her doctors to examine her. She also refused to rest in bed - she stood for hours on end, occasionally just sitting in a chair.
Her condition became worse and her ladies-in-waiting spread cushions across the floor. Queen Elizabeth eventually lay down on the cushions. She lay on the floor for nearly four days - mostly in complete silence. She eventually grew so weak that when her servants insisted on making her more comfortable in her bed she was unable to argue with them.
The end was clearly near for the great old Queen. Her Councillors gathered around her. Soft music was played to soothe her. She had still not named James as her successor but she made a sign to Robert Cecil and it was interpreted that this was her wish.
(Image: “The Death of Elizabeth I, Queen of England”, by Paul Delaroche, 1828)
(Source: arielekroft)
