Behind the Art: Sir Walter Raleigh

The bright bold piece created by artists Kelsey Marie, showcases an abstract portrait of unsuccessful colonizer Sir Walter Raleigh. He was unsuccessful compared to other conquerers of the Elizabethan Era, due to my failed attempts at colonization in America. Although he laid the ground work for later explorations to America and the later formation of Roanoke, Raleigh brought back many resources from the New World. The most popular resource he brought back to England being tobacco, for which he was credited with popularizing.

Raleigh was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and served as a courtier in her court. His popularity with the queen led to rivalries which eventually led to his downfall. Raleigh was later executed for suspected plots against King James I after Queen Elizabeth I's death.