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

February 23, 1861

Not on view

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

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"
Series/Portfolio: 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

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