The Flight of Mary Queen of Scots to England 1794

"The Flight of Mary Queen of Scots to England" was made by Francesco Bartolozzi, using a printmaking technique called stipple engraving. This involves creating a pattern of tiny dots on a copper plate, which when printed, produces an image with soft, delicate tones. Notice how the stippling technique gives the scene a sense of movement and atmosphere. The fleeing figures, the turbulent water, and even the Queen's anxious expression are all conveyed through subtle gradations of light and shadow. Bartolozzi was a master of this technique, which allowed for a high degree of detail and expressiveness. Printmaking in this era was a key means of disseminating images and ideas. Bartolozzi's prints made historical events accessible to a wider audience. This print is a testament to the power of craft in shaping our understanding of history, and challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture.