Mary, Queen of Scots, on the morning she suffered Death in Fotheringhay Castle 1796

This is a print made by George Dawe depicting Mary, Queen of Scots, in Fotheringhay Castle on the morning of her execution. Dominating the scene is the crucifix on the wall, a poignant symbol of sacrifice and redemption, reflecting the Catholic faith to which Mary clung. Consider how the crucifix as a symbol has journeyed through time. Initially, a symbol of brutal Roman execution, it was transformed by early Christians into an emblem of hope, faith, and divine salvation. The image of Christ on the cross is mirrored in the mournful, composed figure of Mary, poised at the edge of death. The power of such symbols lies in their ability to evoke a sense of collective memory and shared human experience. The crucifix, the figure of Mary, her downcast face, engage our subconscious, triggering deep-seated emotions connected to suffering, faith, and the transience of life. Here, the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols resurfaces, evolving, and taking on new meanings in this historical context.