Jerkin
Working in tandem, curators and conservators combine theory and science to produce a more complete understanding of historical artifacts. Testing on this sixteenth century jerkin by Conservator Christine Paulocik has shown that all of the applied adornment - including the padding at the shoulders, silk tufts, and metallic bobbin lace - is original to the garment. Decorative buttons made of boxwood at center front give the illusion of a closure, when in reality the wearer would have required help getting dressed due to the laced closure located at the center back. The use of boxwood buttons turned on a lathe is consistent with technology and materials of the period. The loss of velvet pile is likely a result of an iron mordant used in the dying process.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jerkin
- Date: 1570–80
- Culture: European
- Medium: silk, metal thread
- Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1926
- Object Number: 26.196
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
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.