Called Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–1587)
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1500 - 1599
Materials
Oil on panel
Measurements
330 x 267 mm (13 x 10 ½ in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129179
Caption
This picture has been extensively repainted, so its original appearance can hardly be detected. Her headdress (but not hat), high collar and panel, and the shape of her dress (but not the exaggerated slashing and puffs) are just as in the profile engraving published by Hieronymus Cock in 1559, just after her accession to the throne of Scotland. The man’s hat symbolises her authority. When she was a prisoner of Queen Elizabeth I, she was placed under the charge of the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, although she was never held at Hardwick.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, Called Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–1587), British (English) School, 16th century. Formerly inscribed: Maria Regi Scotiae. A bust-length portrait, turned slightly to the right, gazing at spectator, wearing red and white slashed dress, necklace, high ruff, and red and blue headdress with small ostrich feather.
Provenance
In 1786-1792 catalogue of Paintings at Hardwick Hall; thence by descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959
Credit line
Hardwick Hall, The Devonshire Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist