Premonstratensian Canon thumbnail 1
Premonstratensian Canon thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Premonstratensian Canon

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 Premonstratensian Canon. The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as Premonstatensians or Norbertines, was founded in 1120 by St. Norbert (later Archbishop of Magdeburg). Unusually for Catholic communities, this order has always considered the spiritual life of both its male and female members to be equal. While Canons or Canonesses live in a community and follow the religious life, they are also expected to preach, teach and offer hospitality to pilgrims, travellers and tend the sick in hospitals. The Premonstratensian order is active today. They are also known in England as White Canons due to their undyed wool habits.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePremonstratensian Canon
Materials and techniques
Figure made of tow and wax, dressed in linen and woollen materials.
Brief description
Wax and tow figure dressed as a Premonstratensian Canon
Physical description
Figure made of wax and tow, dressed in linen and woollen fabrics.
White cassock, scapular and sash, white 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 Premonstratensian Canon. The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as Premonstatensians or Norbertines, was founded in 1120 by St. Norbert (later Archbishop of Magdeburg). Unusually for Catholic communities, this order has always considered the spiritual life of both its male and female members to be equal. While Canons or Canonesses live in a community and follow the religious life, they are also expected to preach, teach and offer hospitality to pilgrims, travellers and tend the sick in hospitals. The Premonstratensian order is active today. They are also known in England as White Canons due to their undyed wool habits.
Collection
Accession number
1212:35-1905

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Record createdMay 16, 2008
Record URL
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