Mary, Queen of Scots 1833

This 1833 engraving by William Thomas Fry depicts Mary, Queen of Scots, a historical figure whose life and death continue to captivate audiences. Fry’s detailed portrayal captures the queen’s regal presence in a black gown, a lace collar, and a veil. This work, a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, provides a glimpse into the popular fascination with Mary, Queen of Scots during the 19th century. The image is an example of the “engraving” genre of artwork, a process that involves incising lines into a surface to create an image, often on paper.