Unknown woman, formerly known as Mary, Queen of Scots

Sitterback to top

• Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), Reigned 1542-67. Sitter associated with 143 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6233 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The search for authentic portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots continued well into the nineteenth century, stimulated by the continuing interest in her as a romantic heroine as well as an important historical figure. The painting that is reproduced in this print was a particularly attractive candidate, as the sitter corresponded much better with Victorian ideas of what such a heroine should look like than was the case in some of the authentic portraits. However, close examination of the painting subsequently revealed that, although it was fundamentally a genuine sixteenth-century portrait, elements such as the 'MR' initials on her waist chain and the coat of arms on the tree had been added much later to give the false impression that it was Mary.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 96: Unknown woman, formerly known as Mary, Queen of Scots (source portrait)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Gloves and gauntlets
• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery