Louise de Marillac

A very atmospheric, polychrome painted, chalkware figure depicting Louise de Marillac, also known as Louise de Gras, born in the late 16th Century. She became a Roman Catholic nun in France around the age of 30. Dating from the 19th Century, this figure would have been for worshippers at home or in a small devotional display. Obvious signs of age and use, which just adds to the beauty of the figure, making it almost ethereal.  There are markings to the front and rear of the base, the rear text seeming to suggest a maker (L J Biton), but we cannot find any reference to this ....

Louise was a co-founder of the Daughters of Charity, with Vincent de Paul.  This charity was formed to bridge the gap between the charitable efforts of the Ladies of the nobility and social elite who made efforts to help the poor and needy with donations of food, clothing and medicines, but who lacked the will or ability to provide real-time physical support to those most in need of it. She worked with this charity until her passing in 1660, and it still exists to this day.

Measures: 24cm tall x 9cm wide x 8cm deep

UK DELIVERY OF THIS ITEM: Insured postal delivery of this item will be £10.