Decade Rosary

Paternoster: Mass of St Gregory (upper), Virgin of the Apocalypse (lower), Ten Ave Beads, Crucifix, and Finger Ring. All the beads have faceted exteriors
Top row of outer roundels on paternoster: Circumcision; Confession; angel musicians
Middle row of outer roundels: arms of England; Cleansing of Naaman (2 scenes); resurrected figures
Bottom row of outer roundels: Trajan and widow; Almsgiving; Christ and woman taken in adultery; baptism; resurrected figures
bead I: St. Matthew and Habakkuk: Last Judgement; Judgement of Solomon

Mass of St. Gregory; Virgin in the Sun

In the upper scene, Christ on the cross appears above the altar while St. Gregory (504-640?), one of the four Latin fathers of the Catholic Church, is saying mass. The miracle signifies the doctrine of transubstantiation (the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine of communion).

In the lower scene, angels crown Mary the Virgin of the Rosary.

from Smith College website

The online catalogue raisonné and digital photography made possible through the generous support of Thomson Works of Art