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Rosary Terminal Bead with Lovers and Death's Head

ca. 1500–1525
Not on view
A string of beads is used as a memory aid in the recitation of the rosary, a multipart devotion to the Virgin. Here, the striking terminal bead announces the constant proximity of death by joining a skull to the pair of vivacious lovers. Such an image is known as a memento mori (reminder of death), as it encourages one to reflect on the transience of life.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Rosary Terminal Bead with Lovers and Death's Head
  • Date: ca. 1500–1525
  • Geography: Made in North France or South Netherlands
  • Culture: North French or South Netherlandish
  • Medium: Elephant ivory, with emerald pendant, silver-gilt mount
  • Dimensions: Overall: 5 3/8 x 1 9/16 x 1 11/16 in. (13.6 x 4 x 4.3 cm)
    ivory only: 2 13/16 x 1 9/16 x 1 11/16 in. (7.2 x 4 x 4.3 cm)
  • Classifications: Ivories-Elephant, Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.305
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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