Capuchin Friar thumbnail 1
Capuchin Friar thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Capuchin Friar

Ecclesiastical Figure
first half 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This figure is one of a set of 50 dressed to represent the outfits worn by Catholic religious orders. They are made of tow (hemp) with wax heads, hands and feet. They were probably made in France, as they are labelled in French, but some of the orders represented were only active in Germany and the Netherlands.

This figure represents a Capuchin friar. The Capuchins, or the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, are a Franciscan order founded in 1520 by Matteo da Bascio (1495-1552) who wanted a return to the extreme simplicity, poverty and austerity of the Rule of St. Francis. They wear a very simple brown tunic with a knotted waist cord. The short brown hooded cape and the beard were adopted from Camaldoese monks, who gave refuge to the original Capuchins when they were persecuted by Franciscan superiors. In 1528, Pope Clement VII gave the Capuchins permission to follow their chosen manner of life. There is also an order of nuns known as the Capuchines or Capuchin Poor Clares. (see 1212:15-1905).


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCapuchin Friar
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Capuchin friar
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
Brown tunic with knotted cord, short brown cape and hood, beard, sandals.
Dimensions
  • Including stand height: 31cm
Average approximate height of the figures in this set
Credit line
Given by Mr. G. Smith
Object history
One of a group of 50 figures given to the Educational Department by Mr. G. Smith of St John's Wood in 1868, but only formally accessioned in 1905. The labels on the bases are in French but some of the orders represented (e.g the Alexians and the Order of the Conception) seem to have been confined to Germany and the Low Countries. (from original acquisition record for 1905)
Production
Labelled in French; some of the orders represented confined to Germany or the Netherlands.
Summary
This figure is one of a set of 50 dressed to represent the outfits worn by Catholic religious orders. They are made of tow (hemp) with wax heads, hands and feet. They were probably made in France, as they are labelled in French, but some of the orders represented were only active in Germany and the Netherlands.

This figure represents a Capuchin friar. The Capuchins, or the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, are a Franciscan order founded in 1520 by Matteo da Bascio (1495-1552) who wanted a return to the extreme simplicity, poverty and austerity of the Rule of St. Francis. They wear a very simple brown tunic with a knotted waist cord. The short brown hooded cape and the beard were adopted from Camaldoese monks, who gave refuge to the original Capuchins when they were persecuted by Franciscan superiors. In 1528, Pope Clement VII gave the Capuchins permission to follow their chosen manner of life. There is also an order of nuns known as the Capuchines or Capuchin Poor Clares. (see 1212:15-1905).
Collection
Accession number
1212:10-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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