Andrew – Self Portrait after the Coronation portrait of Elizabeth 1st.
Andrew - Self Portrait after the Coronation portrait of Elizabeth 1st.
This image was created at a time of considerable social blame on women experiencing fertility problems, accused of being selfish, waiting too late and prioritising career over childbirth. The portrait was made in association with the Queen ElisabethIVF unit, using the careful iconography Elizabeth 1st chose to bind her sovereignty to her image. Her throne becomes the examination chair, her sceptre an internal ultrasound scanner and her robes of state the stiff blue plastic cloths used to provide a barrier between the medical examination and the patient.