Mary, Queen of Scots 17th century

This engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots, was made in the late 16th century. As a historian, what I find compelling is how images like this participate in shaping historical narratives. This portrait, circulated widely in print, presents Mary as a regal figure. Consider the power dynamics at play: Mary was a Catholic queen in a Protestant-dominated England, and a political rival to Elizabeth I. The text surrounding the image tells of Mary's marriages and eventual imprisonment in England. It is a sympathetic portrayal of a Catholic Queen that would have circulated amongst those loyal to Mary. Understanding this image means delving into the religious and political conflicts of 16th-century Europe, as well as the role of the printing press in disseminating political messages. It’s through these historical contexts that we can truly appreciate the image's complex layers of meaning.