Mary, Queen of Scots 1800 - 1835

This print of Mary, Queen of Scots, was engraved by Edward Scriven sometime before 1841. Mary is adorned with symbols of status and piety. Note the cross pendant, a powerful emblem of her Catholic faith, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the Scottish Reformation. The cross is a potent symbol, its image recurs throughout history from ancient crucifixes to modern-day jewelry, each time evoking a blend of reverence, suffering, and redemption. The book in her hand suggests learning and devotion, further enriching our understanding of her character. It also speaks to the symbolic weight carried through time, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary literature, and serving as testaments to human knowledge and spirituality. Even in later secular contexts, the cross motif retains its deep emotional resonance, hinting at humanity's enduring quest for meaning. It is a testament to how symbols evolve, yet persistently tap into our collective memory.