Statuette, terracotta, St Thomas, by Jerome Duquesnoy the Younger, South Netherlandish, middle of 17th century

The Saint stands with his right hand extended; his left hangs by his side. His weight falls on the left foot, the right heel is raised. He is naked save for a cloak which covers his left shoulder and is wrapped around him in heavy folds.

Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1956. The history (also of V&A mus. no. A118-1956) can be traced back to 1761, when together with a terracotta Virgin and Child and a St. Jerome they belonged to Charles Jennens. The four terracottas were later moved to Jennens' newly built country house, Gopsall, near Leicester and must have stayed there until the contents were sold in 1918 at auction. They were bought by the Reverend E.W.M.O. de la Hey, who showed photographs to Miss Longhurst in 1933. Then sold by Mr de la Hey's grandson in 1955 all four passed to Alfred Spero, from whom Dr. Hildburgh bought the V&A terracottas.

This is a model for, or improbably a copy after the life-size marble Saint Thomas, which is one of a series representing the Twelve Apostles in the nave of Ste Gudule, Brussels. Jerome Duquesnoy executed St. Thomas, St. Matthew, St. Paul and St. Bartholomew. He appears to have been paid for the St. Thomas in 1644.

This is a model for, or improbably a copy after the life-size marble Saint Thomas, which is one of a series representing the Twelve Apostles in the nave of Ste Gudule, Brussels. Jerome Duquesnoy the Younger (1602-1654) executed St. Thomas, St. Matthew, St. Paul and St. Bartholomew. He appears to have been paid for the St. Thomas in 1644.

A.117-1956