Full Record |
| Title |
A Carmelite Nun with a Crucifix |
| Alternative Title |
A Franciscan Nun with a Crucifix |
| Collection |
Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle |
| Artist |
Spanish School |
| Date Earliest |
possibly about 1675 |
| Date Latest |
possibly about 1700 |
| Description |
The unknown sitter in this portrait belonged to the Carmelite Order. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the Carmelites underwent significant changes, from which two branches emerged. The reformed Carmelites, known as the Discalced Carmelites, followed the teachings of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Juan de la Cruz. They preached a return to a more contemplative and austere way of life. The palette and the contrasted lighting suggest that this painting was probably produced during the late seventeenth century. |
| Current Accession Number |
B.M.15a |
| Former Accession Number |
No. 841 |
| Subject |
portrait |
| Measurements |
206.5 x 115.5 cm (estimate) |
| Material |
oil on canvas |
| Acquisition Details |
Bequeathed by the founders John and Joséphine Bowes 1885. |
| Publications |
Young, E., Catalogue of Spanish Paintings, Middlesbrough, 1988, pp. 176-77. |
| Notes |
Pendant: BM. 22a. There seems to have been some confusion in the past about the religious orders to which the nuns in the two portraits belonged. Although this painting has been catalogued as 'A Franciscan Nun', the sitter wears the brown habit and stiff veil of the Carmelite Order. On the other hand, the rope with three knots that the sitter in BM. 22a wears around her waist corresponds to the Franciscan habit. |
| Rights Owner |
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham |
| Author |
Dr Mercedes Cerón |
