Mary, Queen of Scots

Art Historical Context

This mid-18th-century hand-colored etching and engraving presents a compelling portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, the 16th-century monarch whose dramatic life continues to captivate audiences centuries later. Created by Scottish engraver Robert Strange, the small-scale print captures the queen in a dignified pose that reflects both her royal status and the romanticized view of her that emerged long after her execution in 1587. Strange, known for his precise reproductive engravings of historical figures, helped keep Mary’s image alive during a period of renewed interest in British royal history. The work’s medium is particularly noteworthy. Etching and engraving allowed artists to produce detailed images that could be printed in multiples, while the delicate hand-coloring adds warmth and individuality to each impression. Such prints played an important role in disseminating portraits beyond court circles, making them accessible to a broader public. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this intimate work exemplifies how 18th-century printmakers bridged past and present, transforming historical figures into enduring symbols of resilience and tragedy.