Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"
- Engraver: William Luson Thomas (British, London 1830–1900 Chertsey, Surrey)
- Artist: After Sir John Gilbert (British, London 1817–1897 London)
- Subject: Mary, Queen of Scots (British, Linlithgow 1542–1587 Fotheringhay)
- Published in: London
- Date: February 23, 1861
- Medium: Wood engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 14 5/16 × 10 3/8 in. (36.4 × 26.4 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Susan Dwight Bliss, 1958
- Object Number: 58.549.212
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.