Mary, Queen of Scots 1834

This is George Endicott’s lithograph of Mary, Queen of Scots, printed in New York in the 1830s. Endicott's work emerges during a period marked by both burgeoning American nationalism and enduring fascination with European royalty. Here, Mary is presented with the visual markers of power: elaborate clothing, jewelry, and a regal gaze. Yet, this image also invites a more nuanced reading. Mary's story is one of political intrigue, religious conflict, and ultimately, tragedy. As a female ruler in a male-dominated world, her power was constantly under threat, and her identity was both celebrated and scrutinized. Endicott's print participates in the construction of Mary’s persona, inviting viewers to consider how gender, power, and representation intersect in the creation of historical narratives. The circulation of such images contributed to the mythology surrounding Mary, shaping her legacy in both popular imagination and historical discourse.