Why was the armada portrait painted?

George GowerGower was appointed to the position of Serjeant Painter to Queen Elizabeth in 1581.[1] This allowed him to paint most of England's aristocracy. The post also made him responsible for painted decoration at the royal residences, and on coaches and furniture. Among his works were a fountain (now destroyed) and the astronomical clock, both at Hampton Court Palace. He also inspected portraits of the Queen by other artists prior to their official release.