Mary, Queen of Scots 1748 - 1760

This engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots, was made by Isaac Oliver around the turn of the 17th century. Oliver, an English portrait painter, produced this print at a time when the memory of Mary, Queen of Scots, still haunted English politics. This image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Mary’s iconic status, even after her execution, made her image a potent symbol of Catholic resistance to the Protestant monarchy in England. Note the formal setting of this portrait, which harkens back to royal portraiture of the Renaissance. This image provides a window into the religious and political tensions of Elizabethan England. To fully understand its significance, we can consult historical documents and studies of the period, which would allow us to better grasp the complex interplay of power, religion, and representation in this compelling portrait.