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Trappist Monk thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Trappist Monk

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 Trappist monk. The Trappist order is a Cistercian order founded in 1664, and still in existence today. The Trappist order is mainly known as a monastic order, but like other Cistercian orders, it has a women's branch known as the Trappistines. The order was founded at La Trappe Abbey in Normandy in reaction to the general relaxation of practices in many Cistercian monasteries, and retains stricter rules. The Trappist monk's habit comprises a white tunic over which is worn a black scapular and cloak.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleTrappist Monk
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Trappist monk
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
White tunic, black scapular, black cape
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 Trappist monk. The Trappist order is a Cistercian order founded in 1664, and still in existence today. The Trappist order is mainly known as a monastic order, but like other Cistercian orders, it has a women's branch known as the Trappistines. The order was founded at La Trappe Abbey in Normandy in reaction to the general relaxation of practices in many Cistercian monasteries, and retains stricter rules. The Trappist monk's habit comprises a white tunic over which is worn a black scapular and cloak.
Collection
Accession number
1212:44-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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