Mary, Queen of Scots 1835 - 1899

Curator: This is an engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots by John Chester Buttre, likely created between 1835 and 1899, now residing here at the Met. Editor: It strikes me immediately as quite romantic, despite the formality. The soft grayscale, the gentle curve of her neck—it all lends a certain melancholic beauty. Curator: Engravings like this one often served to solidify cultural memory and iconography around important figures. Here, Mary is presented as a tragic queen, adorned in pearls that symbolize purity and status, yet destined for a dark fate. Editor: The stark contrasts are key here. Look how the delicate ruff around her neck plays against the darkness of her bodice. And consider the visual rhythm created by the repetitive pearl strands – it leads the eye directly upward to her face, framed so precisely by the elaborate hairstyle. It all creates a sense of controlled elegance. Curator: Absolutely, pearls are interesting things to contemplate in this image—she became so famous as a result of love triangles, scandals and power plays within the French, English and Scottish royal courts. It makes you think about the power, gender and monarchy that were at play during this time, don't you think? Editor: I think so too, yes. And the texture created through the engraving process lends a dimensionality that enhances the three-dimensionality. Those tiny lines create a kind of shimmering effect, especially visible in the shadowed areas. Curator: And thinking of Mary, we realize that, whether or not the symbols we perceive of royalty align with historical facts, what ultimately matters is what resonates. The tragic image became history, and now we gaze upon this engraving, in the wake of her tale. Editor: Indeed, and perhaps the most intriguing thing, is the way Buttre makes use of light and shadow. Despite being a grayscale work, he really has brought a certain luminous depth. Curator: Reflecting on the layers of meaning behind such images can deepen our appreciation of historical perception, and this engraving helps us reflect on power structures, femininity, and their continuing relevance today. Editor: For me, looking closer at the formal devices and observing the details of craftsmanship is how this image unlocks some its visual impact and allows us to experience it as something vital and compelling.