Mary, Queen of Scots 1800 - 1835

Georges Jacques Gatine made this print of Mary, Queen of Scots, in France sometime in the early 19th century. It depicts the 16th-century Scottish monarch in elaborate courtly dress. In Gatine's time, France was in the throes of revolution and empire. The French monarchy had been overthrown, and Napoleon was remaking the map of Europe. In this context, images of royalty took on a new significance. By choosing Mary, Queen of Scots, as his subject, Gatine evokes a tragic figure from the past, a Catholic queen who was overthrown and executed. Note the way the dress is depicted with so much meticulous detail. It is a potent symbol of power and status. As historians, we can use sources from the time, such as letters, diaries, and political pamphlets, to understand how people viewed their leaders. By doing so, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and society.