Thomas Ryder, 1746–1810, Irishafter John Opie, 1761–1807, British
Title:
The Murder of James I, King of Scotland
Date:
1792
Materials & Techniques:
Etching and stipple engraving on moderately thick, moderately textured, cream wove paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 19 7/8 × 24 3/8 inches (50.5 × 61.9 cm)
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Lettered, lower left: "Painted by F. Opie R.A. | Walter Earl of Athole was at the head of the conspiracy carried on against the life of this accomplish'd | & unfortunate Prince, the conspirators affected their purpose by suborning one of the Kings Servants to take | away the bar that fastened the door of the apartment where the King & Queen were lodged. the first | approach of the murderers was discovered by a servant upon his return from that apartment. | where he had been serving some wine, upon giving the alarm. , it is related that a young lady of the"; lettered, lower right: "Engrav'd by T. Ryder. | Noble family of [...] who was attending the Queen, not finding the [...] that secured | the door, (the mode of fastening used in those days in such houses) bodly th[...] her arm | through the staple, but the violence of the assailants soon broke her arm, & forced their | way to the King, who being defenceless they murdered. the Queen also received several wounds | in endeavouring to save her husband."; lettered, lower center: "THE MURDER OF JAMES IST KING OF SCOTLAND, | In the Monastery of the Domincans, near Perth, on the 12th Feby 1437. | Pubish'd Augt. 1 1792, by John & Josiah Boydell, Cheapside, & at the Shakespeare Gallery Pall Mall London."
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection