Veils and Hair-nets: Details from the Setúbal Altarpiece,Jorge Afonso's workshop, 1520-1530 AD

Some of the finest and most skilfully woven textiles of the time must have found their way to Portugal in the Age of Exploration. It is usual to see the Virgin depicted with very fine, transparent, veils covering hair and chest (detail from the Crib panel), whereas the detail of a fine masculine hair-net may be unique (detail from the panel showing Christ being nailed to the cross).