Mary, Queen of Scots 1798

Niccolò Schiavonetti created this engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots in England during the late 18th or early 19th century. The image itself is derived from a cast, likely of a commemorative medal or coin. We see Mary in profile, encircled by an inscription identifying her as Queen of Scotland and England. The composition suggests a specific set of cultural and institutional preoccupations. Mary’s story was one of political intrigue, religious conflict, and ultimately, execution. In Schiavonetti’s time, she was often portrayed in romantic terms, a tragic figure caught in the crosshairs of power. This engraving, published in London, speaks to the enduring fascination with the British monarchy and its complex history, not to mention the rise of print culture, which allowed for the wide dissemination of such imagery. To understand it fully, we might explore the visual culture of British royalty, the history of printmaking, or the role of historical memory in shaping national identity. The art historian's task is to unpack these layers of meaning and consider how they reflect the social and political context of the time.