Frizz Elizabethan Example

Elizabethan Frizzing - 'The Rainbow Portrait' 1600

'The Rainbow Portrait' - Issac Oliver 1600-1602
Oil on Board
http://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/eliz1-rainbow.jpg

This portrait of Elizabeth is probably one of the most famous paintings as it features a number of hairpieces, hats and headdresses that were iconic of the Elizabethan period including a crown, riding hat and sheet veil. However perhaps most prominent within this portrait within regards to hairstyling is the hair/wig itself which is a beautiful example of how frizzing was used to create structured hairstyles, but also the use of waves that draped elegantly around the neck adding feminine essence to the overall look. Most likely this hairstyle would have been created through a similar method of frizzing that was achieved using wrapping the hair around a pin and heating or setting overnight. By doing this the hair is also set into a small wave similar to that within the portrait that could be left down or put up into braids and other hairstyles.
This style of Elizabethan hair has been used within many contemporary hair designs as it creates a beautiful texture that can either be left to create large hairpieces or styled into shaped designs that can then be added to with additional hair or jewellery to give the illusion of height. This portrait in particular is an example of how frizz can be used effectively to create height and also make a secure base for additional decoration. Within the portrait it is evident that the hair is held back into a circular shape with jewels, a large hat and crown imbedded into the top, to support these garnishments the use of frizz would be more effective than curls as it creates a secure grip for the hair decorations to stand on.