The escape of Mary, Queen of Scots from Loch Leven Castle (frontispiece, from "Mary, Queen of Scots: Her Persecutions, Sufferings, and Trials") 1826

This frontispiece, made by Joseph Swan, captures a pivotal moment of flight. The composition is immediately striking, with the stark contrast between the dark, textured castle on the left and the open, subtly detailed waterscape. The figures in the boat are arranged to draw the eye directly to Mary, Queen of Scots, who stands with an expression of hope or supplication. Swan’s choice to emphasize light and shadow across the landscape creates a tension between the confinement of the castle and the uncertain freedom of the water. Semiotically, the castle represents her imprisonment, while the act of crossing water suggests transition and purification. Consider how Swan uses line and form to suggest movement and emotion. The diagonal thrust of the boat, and the rippling water, juxtapose against the static verticality of the castle to highlight a broader cultural discourse around power, gender, and freedom. Ultimately, this is not just an historical illustration, but a complex interplay of visual signs.