Focus on The Ruins of Holyrood Chapel and discuss the Background.
Holyrood Abbey is located next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, built by James IV of Scotland in 1501, which became the official residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom situated in Edinburgh, Scotland.  The Abbey started operation in 1128, with various rounds of destruction and reconstruction over the centuries.  It has been used as the Parliament of Scotland, the site of coronations, royal weddings, and the location of royal tombs. During a storm in 1768 the roof collapsed, leaving the abbey as it currently stands. 
Daguerre, who worked at the time as a stage designer for the theatre, was enamored by dioramas and the contrast of light and shadow. Although it is not known whether Daguerre visited the abbey in person, he created and exhibited a diorama of Holyrood Abbey (along with many other dioramas) in Paris around 1824. The diorama measured 70 feet (21 m) wide. When lit from behind, a small figure could be seen inside the chapel.Real-life ruins inspired Daguerre, and he used the Holyrood Abbey ruins as a source of inspiration for two paintings, both with the same title. The first painting had the same figure from the diorama visiting the grave of her friend. Daguerre was able to study the way the light hit the interior of the ruins by emulating the scenario with his diorama.
royal weddings royal tombs started operation in 1128 diorama James IV of Scotland stage designer Holyrood Abbey Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh Parliament of Scotland Monarch of the United Kingdom coronation