Here's why:
* Beauty is subjective: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds attractive, another may not.
* Historical accounts are biased: The accounts we have of both women's appearances come from biased sources, often written by people with political agendas.
* Portraits are not accurate: The portraits of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots are not realistic depictions, but idealized images designed to portray them in a particular light.
Instead of focusing on who was "more beautiful," it's more interesting to consider the ways in which both women used their image to project power and influence.
* Elizabeth I: Deliberately cultivated a powerful image of herself as the "Virgin Queen," emphasizing her strength, intelligence, and independence. She used elaborate clothing and jewelry to enhance this image.
* Mary Queen of Scots: Also used her image to project power, but she relied more on her femininity and grace. She was known for her beautiful hair and captivating eyes.
Ultimately, both women were powerful figures who understood the importance of visual representation. While their beauty is impossible to definitively compare, their skillful use of their image contributed to their historical significance.