Purses; Details from the Genealogy of the Virgin (St. Joachim and the Virgin), by Gregório Lopes, 16th century and Genealogy of the Virgin, flemish work, late 15th century.AD

The late 15th-century panel from the church choir showing the Genealogy of the Virgin, illustrates a fancy tasselled purse of velvet suspended from the belt by cords.

The 16th-century detail shows a simple little leather purse attached directly to the belt. Both are worn by men.

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