DISCOVERART

European

Shirt of Mail

mid–16th century
Iron

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This European Shirt of Mail is a short sleeved shirt of mail, of iron links, formed of fairly small riveted rings throughout; the shirt is open down the front for its entire length; at the back is a slit from the bottom almost up to the center; clean with some losses at edges, the mail lacks its collar.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by European

Pendant NecklacePendant NecklacePendant with a LionPendant with a LionTwo-Sided Pendant with Cameo showing Juno and MinervaTwo-Sided Pendant with Cameo showing Juno and MinervaPaperweightPaperweightPendant with an Intaglio of the Judgment of ParisPendant with an Intaglio of the Judgment of ParisPendant with Christ Appearing to Saint Mary MagdalenePendant with Christ Appearing to Saint Mary MagdalenePomanderPomanderBaroque Pearl Mounted as a Grotesque BeastBaroque Pearl Mounted as a Grotesque Beast

More like this

Mail ShirtIslamic — Mail ShirtMail ShirtIslamic — Mail ShirtReinforcing BreastplateGerman — Reinforcing BreastplateBreastplateItalian — BreastplateMail Standard (Collar)Western European — Mail Standard (Collar)BreastplateFrench — BreastplateBreastplateSpanish — BreastplateBreastplateGerman, Brunswick — BreastplateReinforcing Breastplate Bevor, and Grandguard for the JoustSouth German, Augsburg — Reinforcing Breastplate Bevor, and Backplate with FauldSouthern German, Nuremberg(?) — Backplate with FauldBackplateItalian Marked GP [Gioco del Ponte, Pisa] — BackplateHalf ArmorItalian — Half Armor