Mary, Queen of Scots parting with her friends (from "The Eclectic Magazine," volume 15, plate 2)
Medium
Mezzotint and etching
Dimensions
Sheet: 6 3/4 × 10 3/8 in. (17.2 × 26.3 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Susan Dwight Bliss, 1958
Accession Number
58.549.208
Tags
Art Historical Context
This evocative print captures a poignant moment in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–1587), as she bids farewell to her companions before her imprisonment and eventual execution. Created in 1848 for *The Eclectic Magazine*, the image reflects the 19th century’s romantic fascination with the Scottish queen’s tragic story—a tale of political intrigue, exile, and resilience that captivated audiences long after her death. The scene emphasizes themes of loss and dignity, with Mary at the emotional center amid a group of figures expressing sorrow. Rendered in mezzotint and etching by John Sart...