Canoness of the Holy Sepulchre

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 Canoness of the Holy Sepulchre (also known as a Sepulchrine). The Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulchre are said to have been founded in 1114 and were confirmed in 1143 by Pope Celestine III. The Canons of the order are now extinct, but Sepulchrine convents still exist in Europe. The Sepulchrines wore a black tunic, over which was worn a sleeveless white surplice with a red Cross of Lorraine embroidered over the breast. The veil is black, and the wimple and undersleeves are white.