Mary Queen of Scot's cupboard

Royal oak cabinet

Finely decorated oak cabinet said to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Where did it come from?

This oak cabinet, finely decorated in Renaissance style, mid-16th century, was imported from France and is said to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots. It was long preserved by the Hepburns of Smeaton, supporters of the Queen.

Queen Mary's cupboard and lookalike

Fit for a queen

It is finely carved with medallion panels and has a different character on each panel. The Virgin and Child are placed centrally at the top of the cupboard.

True or false?

Given that this is a French Renaissance piece of furniture and 16th century, it could have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Queen Mary's cupboard

Detail of Virgin and Child.

Mary, Queen of Scots cupboard fact file

Dimensions: 2100mm height x 1790mm width x 800mm depth.
Material: Oak wood.
Which country was it made in?: France.
Dates from: Mid-16th century.
On display: Level 1, The Renaissance, National Museum of Scotland.

Queen Mary cupboard medallion figure detail

Detail of female medallion figure.

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Related page

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130