Calced Carmelite Friar thumbnail 1
Calced Carmelite Friar thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Calced Carmelite Friar

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 calced Carmelite friar. The Carmelites are one of the oldest religious orders. Following reforms in the mid-16th century, the Carmelites separated into two distinct groups. The original Carmelites are described as ‘calced’ (wearing shoes), while discalced Carmelites, or Teresians, went barefoot. Carmelites are contemplative, focusing on study and the development of spiritual understanding. Calced Carmelites and Teresians wear identical habits, consisting of a brown tunic and scapular, and a white cloak.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCalced Carmelite Friar
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a calced Carmelite friar
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
Brown tunic and scapular, cream cloak.
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 calced Carmelite friar. The Carmelites are one of the oldest religious orders. Following reforms in the mid-16th century, the Carmelites separated into two distinct groups. The original Carmelites are described as ‘calced’ (wearing shoes), while discalced Carmelites, or Teresians, went barefoot. Carmelites are contemplative, focusing on study and the development of spiritual understanding. Calced Carmelites and Teresians wear identical habits, consisting of a brown tunic and scapular, and a white cloak.
Collection
Accession number
1212:6-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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