Mary Stuart - Imprisonement and Execution

So far it seems Mary hadn't had much of great life considering she was down 3 husbands, she'd been basically exiled from her own country and was now seeking the help of a cousin she had never met.

Mary had hoped Elizabeth would support her due to her claim to the throne but instead Elizabeth had her imprisoned and kept under constant surveillance. 

Over the next 19 years Mary became the focal point of many plots to assonate Elizabeth, cohering with English Roman Catholics. However, as Mary was never directly involved Elizabeth was reluctant to act. 

Portrait of Mary Stuart c.1580
http://www.marileecody.com/maryqosimages.html

This portrait created during Mary's captivity is similar to that of others in the sense that she is heavily featured in black, her skin pale and her features are prominent. What i find interesting about this portrait is the addition of white in her costume, handkerchief and headwear. The resulting affect looks almost priest-like suggesting to me that perhaps Mary was trying to show a connection with god, connoting that her actions had some sort of martyred purpose. The addition of the handkerchief I find poignant, it makes me feel as if I'm supposed to feel sorry for her.

Portrait of Mary by N.Hilliard c.1578
http://www.marileecody.com/maryqosimages.html

I find the symbolism within the portrait very similar. Look how heavily her faith is referenced through the addition of not one but two biblical crosses. Ahain se wears a strikingly dark costume with additions f a white collar and coif. Howver, to me in this portrait Mary looks older, more haggard perhaps turned sour by her captivity. 

In 1586 Mary corresponded with Anthony Babbington who was plotting to kill Elizabeth. However these messages were intercepted by Elizabeth's chief counsel Francis Wolsingham which provided him with enough evidence t convince the queen she was a threat. 
Mary was tried for treason and condemned to death October 1586. 

It is said that Elizabeth procrastinated over the warrant for Mary's death but eventually signed it an Mary was executed 8th February 1587. 

It is reported that Mary controversially wore red petticoat beneath her costume which symbolised Catholic martyrdom. As far as Mary was concerned she was dying for her faith. 

It is stated that he said this to one of her servants:


"You ought to rejoice and not to weep for that the end of Mary Stuart's troubles is now done... all this world is but vanity and full of troubles and sorrows. Carry this message from me and tell my friends that I died a true woman to my religion, and like a true Scottish woman and a true French woman; but God forgive them that have long desired my end."
(http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/renaissancereformation/execution/index.asp)

The fact that refers to herself as a 'true woman to my religion' reinforces the idea that she believed herself to be a perpetrator of gods work, she even pleads god to forgive those who wish her dead.  I find this idea of herself fascination and could perhaps prove an interesting spin on a make up look. 

From research Ive found that the execution itself was a fairly gruesome affair. 
"the executioner struck her a great blow upon the neck, which was not, however, entirely severed. then he struck twice more..."
(http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/maryqueenofscots.htm)

Narrative Woodcut by unknown artist c.1587
http://www.marileecody.com/maryqos/maryqosexecution.jpg

The wood carving above demonstrates the scene of Marys execution, although fairly faded you can see her form laid out in red beneath her executioner who stands ready to behead her. 

During my research in to the life and death of Mary Stuart I came across something rather morbid but fascinating.

To the left is Mary's death mask. This item was moulded from her lifeless head and remains today at Lennoxlove House. 

Although incredibly creepy, I find this to be fascinating as it gives us an isight in to how Mary really looked and what i find most striking about this is how beautiful mary was even in to her forties. her face is incredibly symmetrical and her nose and lips perfectlyformed. her lashes and brows are noticeable and as seen in many portraits beautiful natural shadowing can be seen around her eyes and nose.