Mary, Queen of Scots witnessing the murder of David Rizzio

Mary, Queen of Scots|John Opie|Isaac Taylor, Jr.|John & Josiah Boydell

January 1, 1791 · Etching and engraving · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Mary, Queen of Scots|John Opie|Isaac Taylor, Jr.|John & Josiah Boydell

Date

January 1, 1791

Medium

Etching and engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962