Exquisite 1840s Antique Portrait Print

WILLIAM MAITLAND, OF LETHINGTON

Published by JOHN TALLIS & COMPANY, LONDON & NEW YORK

Approximate Portrait Image Area Size: 4 X 5 inches

Approximate Size With Decorated Border and vignettes: 6 X 7 1/2 inches

Approximate Overall Size with margins: 7 X 10 1/2 inches

Exquisite 1840s Steel Engraving - Lovely Antique Portrait Print

A beautiful elaborate fleur de lis scrollwork decorative border surrounds the image, with a tiny vignette at the top of the portrait image. The vignette may represent the family coat of arms or crest. The celtic like ornamental perimeter scrollwork surrounding the portrait is a beautiful work of art, typical of a John Tallis type production. A great historical portrait print for a genealogy buff looking for family heritage or royalty type prints.

CONDITION: Very Good Condition. Blank on Reverse side and printed heavier paper. A beautiful print, lovely work of art.

United Kingdom Biographies: William Maitland (Maitland of Lethington), (1528?-1573), Scottish statesman. In 1559 he deserted the regent Mary of Guise and joined the revolt of the Protestant nobles. When Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland two years later, he became her secretary and close adviser. A skilled diplomat, Maitland refused to be swayed by religious passions, which led to suspicion from both Catholics and Protestants. His chief desire was to effect a union of Scotland and England based on Mary's right of succession to the English throne after the death of Elizabeth I. After Mary's marriage to Bothwell, Maitland joined the opposition, but he later worked for her restoration. In the civil war following the murder (1570) of the earl of Murray , Maitland led the queen's party and held out in Edinburgh Castle from 1571 to 1573, but died soon after. He is the probable forger of portions of the so-called Casket Letters.