Rosary Pearls - Vanity, France Late 18th Century

Rosary Beads – Memento Mori, France, Late 18th Century

Set of three bifacial rosary beads carved in bone, depicting on one side the face of Christ and on the other a skull, symbol of vanitas or memento mori (“Remember that you will die”).

This motif, rooted in Christian tradition, refers to the figure of Adam and the concept of original sin, which brought about the fall of mankind and the inevitability of death.

Composed of three screwed-together pieces, these devotional beads were meant for frequent handling, gradually wearing down through the touch of the faithful.

They reflect the meditative function of the rosary, serving as a constant reminder of the transient nature of earthly life.

Each bead shows visible fissures, consistent with age-related wear and the organic nature of the material

Dimensions:
Height ≈ 2,6 cm
Width ≈ 2 cm

France, late 18th century

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