Alexian or Cellite Friar thumbnail 1
Alexian or Cellite Friar thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Alexian or Cellite 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 an Alexian friar. The Alexians originated in the early 1100s as the Beghards, male equivalents of the Béguines (see 1212:3-1905). Like Béguines, while dedicating their lives to religion and good works, Beghards did not take vows or adopt a rule of life. They lived in small rooms or 'cells', which led to their being called Cellites. In the fourteenth century, the Cellites chose to dedicate themselves to care for the sick, particularly victims of bubonic plague who were treated as outcasts at the time. At that time they formed the Alexian Brothers, taking St Alexius as their patron saint. Although recognised in 1469 as a religious order by Louis de Bourbon, Prince-Bishop of Liège (1438-92), the Alexians were not formally confirmed until 1870. The order is still going strong today, and has founded many Alexian hospitals. The Alexians wear a plain black belted tunic, scapular, and cloak.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleAlexian or Cellite 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 Alexian or Cellite friar
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
Black tunic, scapular, leather belt and white collar
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 an Alexian friar. The Alexians originated in the early 1100s as the Beghards, male equivalents of the Béguines (see 1212:3-1905). Like Béguines, while dedicating their lives to religion and good works, Beghards did not take vows or adopt a rule of life. They lived in small rooms or 'cells', which led to their being called Cellites. In the fourteenth century, the Cellites chose to dedicate themselves to care for the sick, particularly victims of bubonic plague who were treated as outcasts at the time. At that time they formed the Alexian Brothers, taking St Alexius as their patron saint. Although recognised in 1469 as a religious order by Louis de Bourbon, Prince-Bishop of Liège (1438-92), the Alexians were not formally confirmed until 1870. The order is still going strong today, and has founded many Alexian hospitals. The Alexians wear a plain black belted tunic, scapular, and cloak.
Collection
Accession number
1212:18-1905

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest