Franciscan Récollet Nun thumbnail 1
Franciscan Récollet Nun thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Franciscan Récollet 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 Franciscan Récollet nun. The best known order of Franciscan nuns is that of the Poor Clares, founded by St Clare of Assisi in 1212, and still active today. The Poor Clares still wear a version of the habit worn by this figure, which is a brown tunic and scapular, white wimple, short dark brown veil and brown cloak. Due to the small scale of the figure, an embroidered design over the breast showing the Instruments of the Passion (objects relating to Jesus Christ's death) has been left out.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Franciscan Récollet Nun
  • Poor Clare
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Franciscan nun or 'Poor Clare'
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
Brown tunic and scapular, white wimple, brown veil and cloak. The embroidery of the Instruments of Passion over the heart has been omitted.
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 Franciscan Récollet nun. The best known order of Franciscan nuns is that of the Poor Clares, founded by St Clare of Assisi in 1212, and still active today. The Poor Clares still wear a version of the habit worn by this figure, which is a brown tunic and scapular, white wimple, short dark brown veil and brown cloak. Due to the small scale of the figure, an embroidered design over the breast showing the Instruments of the Passion (objects relating to Jesus Christ's death) has been left out.
Collection
Accession number
1212:14-1905

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