Prayer Bead with the Crucifixion and the Sorrows of the Virgin

early 16th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This bead emphasizes the sorrowful events of the life of Jesus’ mother Mary, which are commonly linked to the cycle of prayers known as the Rosary. Together, there are seven. They read clockwise beginning at five o’clock on the lower bead (with a jump to the upper bead for the Crucifixion) as follows: the Prophecy at the Presentation, the Flight into Egypt, Jesus lost for three days, Jesus Carrying the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Lamentation (set deep at center), and the Entombment. The inscription includes a prayer said upon the completion of the Rosary. The artist placed a shield in a prominent position on the lower half of this bead, expecting that it would be customized at the time of sale with the coat of arms of the purchaser. For reasons unknown, it remained blank.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

Title: Prayer Bead with the Crucifixion and the Sorrows of the Virgin
Date: early 16th century
Culture: Netherlandish
Medium: Boxwood
Dimensions: Open: 3 5/8 × 1 13/16 × 1 in. (9.2 × 4.6 × 2.6 cm)
Closed: 2 1/16 × 1 7/8 in. (5.2 × 4.8 cm)
Classification: Sculpture-Miniature-Wood
Credit Line: The Wernher Foundation, English Heritage, Ranger’s House, London (88259294)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters