Mary, Queen of Scots 1826

Charles Turner created this mezzotint portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots. It's the tonal range that first strikes us. The velvety blacks of the background contrast dramatically with the intricate lace of her collar and cap, a striking visual opposition. Note how Turner uses light to define form. See how the play of light and shadow models her face, lending it volume and presence. The texture of the mezzotint medium adds depth and richness, giving the image a tactile quality despite its being on paper. This portrait, beyond its representational purpose, engages with ideas about historical memory and image construction. The careful rendering of detail—each fold of fabric, each pearl on her necklace—invites us to consider how identity is crafted through visual symbols. The contrast between light and dark, absence and presence, invites us to contemplate the complexities of history itself.