The Jerkin: Details from the Setúbal Altarpiece, 1520-1530 AD

Above the tunic could be worn a jerkin, a sort of a short jacket. The man in the detail from the panel where Christ is nailed to the cross has a long, plain jerkin, probably for warmth, but without the sleeves.

The courtier in the same panel has a short jerkin of fancy imported cloth and elaborate cut.

The jerkin was tight around the waistline and would fall by the hips.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum