Antique Rosary (2) - Pair of devotional rosaries: Stanhope rosary with microvision and semi-precious rosary, 19th or 20th - 1920-1930 - Pair of rosaries

Pair of devotional rosaries – Stanhope rosary with microvision and semi-ovoidal rosary – Italy, late 19th to early 20th century

Elegant pair of Italian devotional rosaries, made between the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The lot includes a rare rosary with the Stanhope method – a micro-photographic technique now almost extinct – and a traditional rosary in semi-natural materials with a metal crucifix.
The first rosary consists of 57 small, finely carved light beads, connected by a dark-link chain; the cross, also carved, features a tiny optical hole in the center containing a microphotograph visible in backlight, a characteristic of Stanhope artifacts spread between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image, deteriorated by time, does not allow for the identification of any figure. The cross shows hand-engraved circular decorations and retains the typical central disc structure of Italian production of the period.
The second rosary, more traditional, features 58 oval beads in semi-natural dark materials, with a smooth surface and a beautiful patina of age. The central medal depicts the Madonna, while the crucifix is made of bronzed metal alloy, with the body of Christ in relief and intricate decorative motifs engraved on the ends. The back of the medal shows an elegant Marian monogram A.M. (Ave Maria). The overall craftsmanship indicates an Italian production from the first half of the 20th century.
The two rosaries, although different in style and materials, form a fascinating devotional ensemble: one represents popular artisanal tradition, while the other testifies to a time when optical technology and religiosity came together in portable and astonishing objects of worship.
Era
– Rosario Stanhope: c. 1880–1910
– Rosario in semi-natural: ca. 1920–1940

Dimensions:
Rosario Stanhope, white grains, 49 cm
81 cm (full)
Rosary with dark grains, approximately 50 centimeters.
83 cm (complete)