The escape of Mary, Queen of Scots from Loch Leven Castle 1823 - 1833

Curator: Here we have "The Escape of Mary, Queen of Scots from Loch Leven Castle," an engraving dating from 1823-1833, created by Henry Edward Dawe. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the drama – the stormy sky mirroring the queen’s plight as she flees! It's almost theatrical, with the dark clothing and contrasting stark whiteness of her ruff. Curator: Absolutely. You can feel the heightened emotion typical of Romanticism, a style that relished grand historical narratives like this one. And if we examine Dawe’s technique closely, we’ll find a combination of print and drawing, each contributing specific characteristics to the overall image. Editor: Indeed. This narrative art also strikes me in its exploitation of the labour involved – the manual skill etched in those fine lines to convey light and shadow, to render her desperation. What kind of steel plate and ink did they use? That affected everything from Dawe’s line weights to the atmospheric texture he creates. Curator: These are important points to consider; however, don't lose sight of how this medium, prints distributed widely, served to mythologize Mary as a tragic heroine. Dawe captures that vulnerability so well. You can practically feel her mixture of fear and determination. The castle looming in the distance heightens this sense. Editor: A great tension here then, Mary is also, let's face it, a consumer and signifier. Think about it, even this supposed escape involves consumption; they needed clothes, a boat, labor and somewhere else to flee TO, just to even achieve an independent agency. These things should not be ignored or forgotten. Curator: All valid points. It leaves you pondering her true feelings at that moment and who profited off all the events taking place at the time and now. A poignant depiction of history filtered through artistic vision. Editor: A glimpse not just into the past, but into the economic structures which frame her past, our present and hopefully help form a more just and thoughtful future.