Conceptionist Nun ('Blue Nun') thumbnail 1
Conceptionist Nun ('Blue Nun') thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Conceptionist Nun ('Blue Nun')

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 Conceptionist Nun. The Conceptionists, or the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, were a Spanish order founded in 1484 by St Beatrice of Silva Menezes (1424-90). The order still continues today. The habit is particularly distinctive due to its blue cloak, which is worn over a white tunic, scapular and wimple. The head veil is black. Unusually, the scapular on this figure is blue, matching the cloak. The colour of the cloak has led to the Conceptionists being popularly known as Blue Nuns.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleConceptionist Nun ('Blue Nun')
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Sister of the Conception, or 'Blue Nun'
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
White tunic, blue mantle and scapular, black veil, 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 Conceptionist Nun. The Conceptionists, or the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, were a Spanish order founded in 1484 by St Beatrice of Silva Menezes (1424-90). The order still continues today. The habit is particularly distinctive due to its blue cloak, which is worn over a white tunic, scapular and wimple. The head veil is black. Unusually, the scapular on this figure is blue, matching the cloak. The colour of the cloak has led to the Conceptionists being popularly known as Blue Nuns.
Collection
Accession number
1212:24-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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