In England, the Rosary in Bronze

On Thursday, Dominicans and art aficionados will watch with interest as a 16^th century bronze plaque hits the auction block in Dorchester, England.

Duke’s Auctioneers in Dorchester will auction a 9×11” plaque which depicts the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus distributing rosaries while St. Dominic preaches, holding a rosary in each hand.  The bronze plaque—which was probably crafted by a Venetian sculptor—is in excellent condition, and is expected to bring £600 to £1,200 ($700 to $1,400) in the June 14 auction.

The Catholic Herald quotes Duke’s auctioneer Matthew Denney:

“Though we are used to seeing antiques, it is still always very exciting to see items that are quite this old, and to see them in such good condition.

“The deep, even patination to the bronze and the cast really emphasises the detail of the scene portrayed. This, coupled with the estimate of £600 to £1,200, is sure to generate a great deal of interest amongst collectors of 16th century theological art.”