Maria I Stuart 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this small etching of Maria I Stuart, also known as Mary, Queen of Scots, during the 17th century. Della Bella's work is a poignant encapsulation of Mary’s complex identity. As a queen, a woman, and a Catholic claimant to the English throne, Mary navigated a treacherous political landscape. Note the word 'malheureuse' or unfortunate above the Queen: this label underscores the tragic narrative that has come to define her legacy. The text below the portrait recounts her troubles, culminating in her execution ordered by Elizabeth I of England. Consider how this image shapes our understanding of powerful women in history. Is Mary a victim, a martyr, or a symbol of resistance? Della Bella’s etching invites us to contemplate the intersection of gender, power, and national identity in shaping historical narratives.