Mary, Queen of Scots 1771 - 1799

This is John Lodge's stipple engraving, "Mary, Queen of Scots," created in the late 18th century. Lodge’s print emerges within the context of shifting political and cultural attitudes toward historical figures, particularly women in positions of power. The print is not merely a portrait; it's a loaded representation of a woman whose life was marked by political intrigue and, ultimately, execution. Mary’s story has become a potent symbol of female leadership, Catholic resistance, and Anglo-Scottish relations. Her representation here reflects the complex interplay between her identity as a woman, a monarch, and a religious figure. Lodge's print participates in shaping Mary's narrative, inviting us to consider how history remembers, celebrates, or condemns women who challenge the status quo. It prompts a broader conversation about the relationship between power, gender, and historical memory.