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 Carthusian monk. The Carthusian Order was founded by St. Bruno of Cologne in 1084 and is still active today. It is open to both monks and nuns. The Carthusian order is an enclosed contemplative order where members ordinarily only leave their cells to attend church, unless they have been entrusted with work towards the needs of the house. The Carthusian monk wears a completely white habit.