Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"

Engraver William Luson Thomas British
 After Sir John Gilbert British
 Subject Mary, Queen of Scots Scottish

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Gilbert, a prolific illustrator for the "Illustrated London News," depicts the closing moment in the troubled life of Mary, Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire. She had been imprisoned at various locations for over 18 years, found guilty the previous year of treason and was beheaded on February 8, 1587. Seated holding a large crucifix she listens intently to the reading aloud of her death warrant signed by Queen Elizabeth I; to the right her executioner waits, leaning on his axe. The print was later republished in the French weekly newspaper "L'Univers Illustré" on October 3, 1861.

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News", William Luson Thomas (British, London 1830–1900 Chertsey, Surrey), Wood engraving

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