Unknown woman, formerly known as Mary, Queen of Scots
© National Portrait Gallery, London
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Unknown woman, formerly known as Mary, Queen of Scots
after Unknown artist
aquatint and etching, 19th century
15 in. x 11 5/8 in. (382 mm x 296 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D13196
Sitterback to top
- Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), Reigned 1542-67. Sitter associated with 151 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
Events of 1801back to top
Current affairs
Wlliam Pitt and Lord Castlereagh both resign over the King's refusal to permit the introduction of Catholic emancipation. Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth succeeds Pitt as Prime Minister.Census records 9 million people living in England and Wales, 5.2 million in Ireland and 1.6 million in Scotland.
Art and science
Radical writer, Amelia Opie publishes her best known novel The Father and the Daughter. Said to have reduced Walter Scott to tears, it went on to enjoy success as an opera and a play.International
Other members of the First Coalition fighting France with Britain agree to a humiliating peace treaty and Britain fights on alone.A successful campaign is fought against the French army marooned in Egypt. General Sir Ralph Abercromby leads the troops but is killed in action.
Thomas Jefferson is elected President of the United States.
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