The Met Rosary by Douglas Locke

I am interested in forms of Catholic art, and The Met collection is rich and deep in this area. In fact, The Met's collection is so deep, it can be overwhelming to a casual observer.

I felt much of this sacred art is removed from its original context. Many of The Met's objects have been presented in Cathedrals, and some even adorned high altars, making many of them central to worship.

I wanted to see if using The Met's digital collection I could present the artwork within a narrative framework, and restore the potential for these items to be used as meditative aids. The Rosary was the perfect vehicle; it provides both narrative and a prayer context, and it has been used for centuries, including in our present day. Many people at least may have heard of a Rosary, even if they do not fully understand what it is or how it works. Thus a third goal is established; to relate the art to a devotional practice in current use.