The Rosary

Painted circa 1910, The Rosary uses vivid planes of colour in a distinctly Post-Impressionist style to depict an intimate interior scene in the west of Ireland. The subject of the repeating of the Rosary had been treated by artists such as Cézanne. In the present work, Henry addresses religious observance in a cloissoniste style, reflecting the ceremonial aspect of religion which was widely practiced in Connemara communities at the time. This act, usually undertaken before bedtime, is both religious and familial – reflecting the coming together of a family at a regular time each day and continues to be repeated in the west of Ireland today.

The present work was exhibited as part of The Irish Race Conference in Paris in 1922. Henry was one of several female artists given prominent representation in this exhibition. The conference was intended to provide a platform for Ireland to represent itself as an independent nation through culture. It highlighted Ireland’s sovereignty enabling opportunities between Ireland and the rest of the world.