Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, from "Illustrated London News"
Mary, Queen of Scots|Sir John Gilbert|William Luson Thomas
February 23, 1861 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints
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.
- Artist
- Mary, Queen of Scots|Sir John Gilbert|William Luson Thomas
- Date
- February 23, 1861
- Medium
- Wood engraving
- Department
- Drawings and Prints
- Credit line
- Gift of Susan Dwight Bliss, 1958