Document 1650 - 1700

This is Maria II Stuart's signature, queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, captured in ink on paper. Born into a world of shifting alliances and religious divides, Mary became queen during a period of immense political and social change. This small document gives us an intimate glimpse into the life of a powerful woman navigating the complexities of 17th-century European politics. Consider for a moment the weight of responsibility that rested on her shoulders, how she was perceived in relation to her husband, and her own agency in the decisions made. What does it mean to be a female ruler in a world dominated by men, and how much power did she truly have? Mary’s signature remains a reminder of the individuals who navigated extraordinary circumstances.