Mary, Queen of Scots (from "A Souvenir of the Abbey and Palace of Holyrood") 1849

This small engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots, was created by John West in the mid-19th century as a souvenir of Holyrood Palace. Note how the artist uses the stark contrast between light and shadow to define Mary's features and clothing. The tight composition focuses intently on Mary herself, drawing our eye to the intricate details of her lace collar and ornate jewelry. The linear precision of the engraving technique allows for a remarkable level of detail, especially in the rendering of textures. Looking closely, one can see the delicate fabric of her gown and the subtle gradations in tone that suggest volume and depth. This print not only captures the likeness of a historical figure, but also embodies the 19th-century fascination with historical portraiture and the era's meticulous approach to capturing detail.