rosary workshop - Open Rosary Gallery
PRAYER BEADS in ART
A COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS SHOWING ROSARIES
The rosary has been worn throughout history not only by religious but devoted laity. There are periods of history, especially the 15th and 16th century when the rosary became stylish to wear. Coral was very popular.  And for many, the more elegant the rosary the more impressive it became. This caused great concern amongst religious who would ban wearing of rosaries from time to time.

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS   -   PRAYER BEADS IN ART
GERMAN MADONNA

 But the purpose of this little museum is to show how the rosary was imaged by early painters as it was a tradition to include symbols or attributes with the figure to show interests or their love for God. The rosary was worn by many saints and martyrs so to picture it was important. For more resource information please contact the museums listed below. (Pictures link directly to Museum)

1542 - MARY STUART WAS BORN

~ MARY, QUEEN of SCOTS ~

MARTYRED FOR HER FAITH - 1587

  CORAL AND POMANDER BEADS
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POMANDER
 (French pomme dambre, i.e. apple of amber)
A pomander, in its original concept, is a ball made of perfumes, such as ambergris, musk, cloves or myrrh or civet . it was  worn or carried in a box or case often shaped like flowers and other natural shapes or a bead, as a protection against infection during times of pestilence and plague.  (They were usually filigree or openwork so the aromas could escape) It was also used to modify bad smells as baths were not a daily event. Pomanders were hung from a neck chain or attached to the waist or on a rosary. Royalty and wealthy preferred Pomanders of precious medals (gold or silver) and often set with precious stones while the common folk wore simple cloth bags around their necks. It was not unusual for a Pomander to have several partitions to divide different aromatic herbs, spices, crushed flowers or perfumes. The British Museum has an an early 16th Spanish pomander set with emeralds, that was found in the Thames. If only it could talk!
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  Others believe the aroma is like the ‘sweet incense of prayer rising to heaven’ and is given to God. The circle of beads will eventually be seen as similar to a wedding ring or God never ending. Women also enjoy adding small trinkets such as figurines, images and gemstones to their rosaries along with the scented dried fruit and flowers.
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CORAL
Coral was believed to carry special healing powers and give the pray-er or wearer spiritual insight, an open heart and protection against evil. Very popular usage in rosaries for children as well as adults.  Coral was also believed to enhance ones memory.

1800's

~ GERMAN MADONNA ~

ARTIST UNKNOWN

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