Canon of the Holy Ghost thumbnail 1
Canon of the Holy Ghost thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Canon of the Holy Ghost

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 Canon of the Holy Ghost. The Order of the Holy Ghost was founded by Guy de Montpellier in the early 13th century for the purpose of caring for the sick. The order ran a number of hospitals throughout Europe which were known as Hospitals of the Holy Ghost. The Canons of the order wore a black tunic with a white cotta and collar, a black biretta hat, and a violet stole with a blue Cross of Lorraine.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCanon of the Holy Ghost
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Canon of the Holy Spirit
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
Black tunic, white collar and cotta, violet stole with blue Cross of Lorraine, biretta
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 Canon of the Holy Ghost. The Order of the Holy Ghost was founded by Guy de Montpellier in the early 13th century for the purpose of caring for the sick. The order ran a number of hospitals throughout Europe which were known as Hospitals of the Holy Ghost. The Canons of the order wore a black tunic with a white cotta and collar, a black biretta hat, and a violet stole with a blue Cross of Lorraine.
Collection
Accession number
1212:34-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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