Unknown child called King James I of England and VI of Scotland and an unknown woman called Mary, Queen of Scots

1 portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Unknown child called King James I of England and VI of Scotland and an unknown woman called Mary, Queen of Scots

by Francesco Bartolozzi, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1779
19 in. x 12 3/8 in. (483 mm x 314 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D13126

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 165 portraits, Sitter in 16 portraits.
  • Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The painting after which this print was made shows a woman and child in costumes of the early seventeenth century, long after the death of Mary in 1587. Nevertheless it was thought in the eighteenth century to represent Mary and her young son James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), from whom she had been separated forever when he was only ten months old. Spiridone Roma, who arranged the publication of the print, was a painter who had 'restored' the painting for the owners, the Drapers' Company. Recent conservation of the painting suggests that Roma himself introduced the background scene and other elements, in order to strengthen the impression that this was a portrait of Mary and James.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D31817: Unknown child called King James I of England and VI of Scotland and an unknown woman called Mary, Queen of Scots (from same plate)
  • NPG D31818: Unknown child called King James I of England and VI of Scotland and an unknown woman called Mary, Queen of Scots (from same plate)

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Events of 1779back to top

Current affairs

Admiral Augustus Keppel, First Lord of the Admiralty during the final years of the American War of Independence is tried and acquitted at court martial of misconduct at the Battle of Ushant the previous year. His case becomes a cause célèbre.
Botanist Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons.
Penitentiary Act authorises state prisons.

Art and science

Swiss artist Henry Fuseli settles in London after nine years in Rome. Painter and President of the Royal Academy Joshua Reynolds' celebrated Discourses on art are published as a book.
World's first iron bridge is assembled across the Severn at Coalbrookdale.Inventor Samuel Crompton introduces the Spinning Mule.
John Newton and William Cowper's Olney Hymns is published, containing the first printed version of Amazing Grace.

International

American War of Independence: Spain, in alliance with France and the US, declares war on Britain. Great Siege of Gibraltar begins, in which French and Spanish forces try to wrest power from the established British Garrison, under the leadership of General George Augustus Eliot.
Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives on the Sandwich Islands on his third and final voyage.

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