Mary, Queen of Scots 1803

Jean Rabel created this engraving of Mary, Queen of Scots, sometime between 1540 and 1603, which is now part of the Met's collection. This image offers insight into the politics of imagery in 16th-century Europe, particularly regarding royalty and power. The visual codes present, such as Mary's regal attire and the Latin inscription declaring her queen by the grace of God, reinforce her authority. Consider the historical context: a Catholic queen in a time of religious upheaval, whose reign was marked by political intrigue and conflict with the English throne. The circulation of her image, controlled by specific institutions, would have played a role in shaping public perception. Historical study, including scrutiny of court documents and religious tracts, helps us understand how images like this functioned as tools of statecraft and propaganda. The meaning we attribute to art is always contingent on understanding these social and institutional dynamics.