Religious pictures of the Rosary Palace

A religious picture, also called a pious picture, is a small black and white or colour picture.

On the front of this picture you can see the image of a Saint, the Virgin or Jesus and on the back you can find a prayer. It is often accompanied by a medal of the Saint concerned, the Virgin or Jesus.

History and meaning of religious images

The first religious images were created between the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 16th century, the first religious pictures were published in large series by the engravers of Antwerp in Belgium.

The engravers of this period were true artists who worked in conjunction with great painters.

The importance of religious pictures for Catholics

From the very beginning, the religious image was highly valued by Catholics. At that time, few people could read and write. This is why engravers had the brilliant idea of using images.

Engraving was first done on wood, known as xylography. On a wooden table, an image covered with ink was engraved with a roller and then printed on paper or parchment. At that time, the main religious images printed were those of the Virgin Mary, Jesus and the Saints. They were then sold at a low price so that the poorest people could enjoy them.

At that time, religious images were signed by the engraver.

In Antwerp there were more than 170 engravers. Gradually, the production of religious pictures spread throughout the world and became industrialized in France for two centuries. It was then that several hundred publishers (we now speak of publishers and no longer of engravers) were active in the provinces.

Why have a religious image?

The tradition among Catholics was to offer a pious image on various occasions: the ordination of a priest, the achievement of good grades, during religious activities...

At the end of the 18th century, religious images were used to remember precious moments in the life of a faithful person, such as Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage or Death.

Today these religious images are often used for their protective value. An image of the Virgin Mary protects against fires in the home, an image of St. Christopher, patron saint of travellers, will prevent possible road accidents.

Today religious images are also considered as a religious object and/or tourist souvenir.

Our selection of religious images

- Religious image with the Miraculous Medal of the Holy Virgin

Wearing the Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Virgin protects us from sin and its terrible consequences.

This medal symbolises the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1830 in Paris. On the front of the medal are the words of the Virgin Mary: "Those who wear this medal with confidence will receive graces: the graces will be abundant for those who have confidence".

- Religious image of the Apparition of Lourdes and medal of the Miraculous Virgin

This religious image represents the Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. The religious image is accompanied by the Miraculous Medal which will bring you protection and grace.

Religious image of Saint Joseph

This religious image is a representation of Saint Joseph. It is completed by a medal of Saint Joseph.

Patron saint of workers and families, Saint Joseph will protect you in your prayers.

Religious images in 2021

Today, religious images have become a religious object in their own right and are present in all Christian homes.

An indispensable religious item for prayer or meditation, thanks to their new pocket size, Catholics always keep their religious image with them as for example in their wallet, bag and even their pocket.

Some Christians have such a passion for religious images that they have become collectors and owners of religious treasures.