The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

c. 1600

Pen and black ink, and blue wash

224 × 163 mm

Purchase, 1964

Within the same picture plane, this preparatory drawing for a print features several scenes from the lives of the Virgin and Christ. It includes the Resurrection, the Transfiguration, the Pentecost, the Assumption of the Virgin, God receiving the Virgin to Heaven and the praying figure of Mary in the centre. This particular combination of scenes corresponds with the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. The Mysteries of the Rosary comprise of three sets of five episodes: besides the Glorious Mysteries, the cycle includes the Joyful Mysteries and the Sorrowful Mysteries. The images functioned partly as mnemonic devices, partly to intensify the emotional impact of meditation by providing visual stimulation to the praying viewers.