Mary, Queen of Scots (from "Les Fleurs de la morale en action: ou Recueil d'anecdotes, propres à former le couer et l'esprit des jeunes gens," page 247)

Art Historical Context

This delicate stipple engraving depicts Mary, Queen of Scots, pivotal figure in 16th-century European, as featured on page 247 of the 1852 French moral anthology *Les Fleurs de la en action*. Published to educate and inspire the hearts and minds of young readers through historical anecdotes, the book uses Mary's image to illustrate lessons in virtue, resilience, or tragedy—drawing from her tumultuous life as queen of Scotland, her claim to the English throne, and her dramatic execution in 1587 amid political intrigue. Created by engraver Henry Berthoud, the print measures 10 5/16 × 6 1/2 inches and exemplifies stipple engraving, a refined 19th-century technique where fine dots build subtle tones, shading, and texture for lifelike portraits. This method allowed for intricate detail and mass reproduction, making moral tales accessible to a wide audience. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1958 by Susan Dwight Bliss, it now resides in the Drawings and Prints department, offering a window into how Victorian-era educators romanticized powerful women like Mary to shape youthful character. (198 words)