Queen ElizabethI’s stark white-painted face and bold red wig remain part of her legacy, even centuries later.
In the latest exploration of her fascinating story, the new filmMary Queen of Scots,Margot Robbieis nearlyunrecognizable as Elizabeth.
Focus Features
A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I circa 1588.Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty
As for why Elizabeth sported such an unnatural appearance, it was a result of her coming down with smallpox in 1562. Elizabeth nearly died from the disease, and her skin was scarred from the illness, so she covered the pockmarks with heavy white makeupmade of white lead and vinegar, which slowly poisoned her over time.
“When your skin isn’t at its best, when you’ve got a breakout, you try and cover that up,” saysMary Queen of Scotsdirector Josie Rourke. “Do you feel confident enough to go into a meeting if you’ve got a gigantic blemish on your face? You can really feel her courage in really gathering herself back together again and finding the braveness to walk into those rooms.”
Robbie as Elizabeth inMary Queen of Scots.Liam Daniel/Focus Features
Robbie also notes that the makeup ultimately became part of Elizabeth’s brutally self-disciplined persona.
Mary Queen of Scotshits theaters Friday.
source: people.com
