Mary I, Queen of England 1600 - 1627

This engraving of Mary I, Queen of England, was made by Francis Delaram sometime in the early 17th century. Delaram was a prolific printmaker in London during the reigns of James I and Charles I, contributing to the burgeoning industry of portraiture that served the aristocracy and gentry. This image creates meaning through the visual codes of Tudor power. Here, Mary is presented as a regal figure, adorned with furs, jewels, and a crown. Yet, the image also subtly responds to the historical associations of Mary’s reign. The text in the engraving refers to Mary as Queen of France, a claim that had been abandoned by Elizabeth. Delaram produced many prints for a variety of patrons, and his work can be understood as a negotiation between artistic expression and the demands of the market. Understanding a work like this relies on careful archival research into the printmaking industry of the period. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.