Often considered to be the golden age in English history, the Elizabethan Era took place during the Renaissance between 1558 and 1603. England experienced peace and prosperity, and in addition, the arts thrived. The period is named after the ruler of England during the time-period, Queen Elizabeth I. She never married and had no children, but often stated that she was married to the country. The era is most famous for its theatre and the works of the famous playwright and poet, William Shakespeare and another playwright, Christopher Marlowe. Shakespeare is thought to be the greatest writer of the English language. English poetry was important too, including the sonnet. The first theatre that opened in 1567 was called The Red Lion, and then many others opened over the next thirty years including the Curtain Theatre in 1577 and the Globe Theatre in 1599. The popular genres of the theatre included history, comedy, and tragedy. Music and painting were also popular during the Elizabethan Era producing composers William Boyd and John Dowland, and talented painters such as Nicholas Hilliard and George Gower, who was Queen Elizabeth's personal artist.