Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News" 1861

William Luson Thomas made this print, "Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots," for the Illustrated London News. Published in the late 19th century, the image shows us how Victorians understood a key event of the Elizabethan era. The Illustrated London News was revolutionary, being the first illustrated weekly newspaper. Visual codes in the image create meaning. For example, the dog at Mary's feet symbolizes her loyalty, whilst the executioner’s axe reminds us of her fate. English xenophobia influenced the narrative around her execution in 1587, and the press played a key role in shaping public opinion then, as it did in the Victorian era. Mary was seen as a Catholic threat to Protestant England. The Illustrated London News brought that history to life, shaping public memory. To truly understand this work, we might consult archives of the Illustrated London News, histories of the Victorian press, and biographies of key figures. This helps us understand the social conditions that shape artistic production, revealing the politics of imagery and the public role of art.