Mary, Queen of Scots 1816

William Satchwell Leney made this print of Mary, Queen of Scots in the late 18th or early 19th century, using etching and engraving. It depicts Mary in an oval frame, set above a sculptural group with Justice, her scales upended. Produced in Britain, this print speaks to the enduring fascination with Mary's dramatic life. Executed after her death, images such as these reflect how the British monarchy was perceived and the institution of royalty in general. In the print, Mary’s serene expression and elaborate attire presents her as a figure of dignity, while the inclusion of Justice suggests she was a tragic figure, perhaps unfairly judged. To understand it better, you might research the history of British printmaking, the visual culture surrounding the monarchy, and the various artistic and literary portrayals of Mary, Queen of Scots. The interpretation of art is always rooted in the social and institutional context that produced it.