Mary Queen of Scots, on the evening preceding her execution (from "The Eclectic Magazine," volume 48, frontispiece) 1859

"Mary Queen of Scots, on the evening preceding her execution" is an 1859 engraving by American artist John Sartain (1808-1897). Depicting Mary, Queen of Scots, in a somber setting, the artwork captures the historical figure's final moments. The image portrays Mary as a melancholic figure, seated in a dimly lit room, her head resting on her hand as she reads a book. The engraving’s detail, especially in Mary's attire and the surrounding architecture, makes it a valuable historical document and testament to Sartain's skill. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, holds this piece, a testament to its artistic and historical significance.