ticketsMember | Make a donation

Jerkin

ca. 1580
Not on view
This doublet is a rare example of sixteenth-century male clothing, very little of which has survived. The cut of the doublet, particularly the protruding "peascod" waist, is typical of fashionable costume of the 1570s and 1580s. The delicate silk embroidery and the use of gold and silver metallic yarns are additional indicators of its high quality. The padded ribs on the chest, back, and sleeves suggest that the doublet was also intended as a protective garment. It was probably made for wear during fencing practice, which was at the time an essential part of every gentleman's education.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Jerkin
  • Date: ca. 1580
  • Culture: Western European
  • Medium: Leather, silk, linen, cotton
  • Dimensions: H. 30 in. (76.2 cm); W. 23 3/4 in. (60.3 cm); D. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Costumes
  • Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Funds from various donors, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.158.175
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Costume Armor in the Classical Style, Hallé French, Helmet: linen, papier-mâché, bole, gold leaf, graphite; tunic: silk, cotton, metal coils and spangles, metallic yarn, French, Paris
Costume Armor in the Classical Style
Hallé
ca. 1788–90
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe), Wood, leather, linen, gesso, pigments, silver, German
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe)
German
ca. 1450
Armor of Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias (1707–1724), Jean Drouart French, Steel, gold, brass, silk, cotton, metallic yarn, paper, French, Paris
Armor of Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias (1707–1724)
Jean Drouart
dated 1712
Tournament or Cavalry Shield (Targe), Wood, leather, gesso, silver, paint, probably Austrian
Tournament or Cavalry Shield (Targe)
probably Austrian
early 15th century
Sword, Steel, silver, copper alloy, leather, Western European
Sword
Western European
ca. 1400

Related Content

Perspectives

Articles, audio, and video from The Met's online magazine.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.