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Mary, Queen of Scots witnessing the murder of David Rizzio

January 1, 1791
Not on view
In a dramatic night-time scene, Mary Queen of Scots attempts to save her Italian musician Rizzio, who is being attacked by men sent by her husband Lord Darnley. The print won a gold medal and a premium of 10 guineas from the Society of Arts, London, in 1791 and reproduces a large oil painting by Opie, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1787. Alderman John Boydell bought the work, displayed it at the Shakespeare Gallery on Pall Mall from 1789 until 1793, then presented to the Corporation of London. It is now at the Guildhall Art Gallery.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mary, Queen of Scots witnessing the murder of David Rizzio
  • Engraver: Isaac Taylor, Jr. (British, 1759–1829)
  • Artist: After John Opie (British, St. Agnes, Cornwall 1761–1807 London)
  • Sitter: Mary, Queen of Scots (British, Linlithgow 1542–1587 Fotheringhay)
  • Publisher: John & Josiah Boydell (British, 1786–1804)
  • Published in: London
  • Date: January 1, 1791
  • Medium: Etching and engraving
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 19 3/4 × 25 1/16 in. (50.2 × 63.6 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
  • Object Number: 62.600.732
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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