Mary, Queen of Scots arrested by the Earl of Bothwell 1792

This print, made by John Walker, depicts Mary, Queen of Scots being arrested by the Earl of Bothwell. It offers a glimpse into the turbulent political landscape of 16th-century Scotland, through the eyes of a late 18th-century British artist. Walker’s image evokes a sense of drama and intrigue, reflecting the ongoing fascination with Mary's story as a contested figure. The print's composition directs our attention to the power dynamics at play: the Queen’s gesture of desperation; the Earl’s stern authority; the armed guards. Prints such as this one circulated widely, shaping public perceptions of historical events and figures, and it invites us to consider the politics of imagery, and how artists engage with and contribute to historical narratives. To understand this print more fully, we would need to look at the visual culture of late 18th-century Britain, the history of printmaking, and the broader context of Anglo-Scottish relations.