Maria I Stuart wordt geblinddoekt om onthoofd te worden 1768 - 1823

This print, depicting the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, was made by de Lille using etching and engraving techniques. The image is built from tiny lines incised into a metal plate, capturing a dramatic scene with stark contrasts of light and shadow. Prints like this one were a key means of circulating information and shaping public opinion. Think of them as the social media of their time! The choice of etching and engraving speaks to that purpose. These are relatively efficient methods for reproducing images in large numbers, allowing for widespread distribution. The sharp lines give the image a sense of immediacy and documentary truth, even though it depicts a historical event. The labor involved in creating this print – the skilled hand of the engraver meticulously translating a scene into a matrix of lines – reflects the growing importance of visual media in shaping social and political narratives. The print is not just a record, but an active participant in the ongoing drama of history.