Elizabeth's reign is famous for a number of historical events, including a Spanish invasion of England that was foiled by bad weather. After a couple of potentially politically disastrous marriage alliances were put forward to her, Elizabeth dubbed herself 'The Virgin Queen', and stated that 'If I follow the inclination of my nature, it is this: beggar-woman and single, far rather than queen and married'. Date: 1575. Artist: Unknown, perhaps Federico Zuccaro (see Sir Roy Strong, The English Icon, 1969). This entry is known as the 'Darnley Portrait.