Mary, Queen of Scots 1800 - 1835

Robert Hicks created this engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1800s. This was a time when views on gender, power and national identity were evolving. Hicks' depiction is rooted in the visual culture of 16th-century Scotland, an era of political intrigue and religious conflict. Mary’s story, marked by her claim to the Scottish throne, her Catholic faith, and her eventual execution, is a complex intersection of gender, religion, and political power. The engraving captures Mary’s regal bearing, her elaborate costume, and the weight of her crown, and evokes both admiration and melancholy, inviting viewers to contemplate the burdens and contradictions of female leadership. The image underscores the interplay between personal tragedy and political destiny that defines Mary’s historical narrative.