Portrait of Marie de Guise

This portrait of Marie de Guise, painted around 1538, depicts the French noblewoman who married King James V of Scotland in 1538 and later served as regent of Scotland during her daughter Mary Queen of Scots' minority. The portrait may have been painted in connection with her marriage negotiations, when portraits were exchanged as part of diplomatic protocol. Characteristic of Lyon's approach, the work displays small-scale portraits on wood or parchment, blue-green or red grounds, intimate psychological likeness.

The portrait captures the young Marie de Guise with Corneille's characteristic intimacy and precision. The careful rendering of her costume and features creates a compelling likeness that served both personal and diplomatic purposes.