Mail Cape (so-called Bishop’s Mantle)
- Culture
- probably German
- Date
- first half 16th century
- Material
- Steel, iron, and brass
- Classification
- Arms & armor, metalwork
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 125
- Dimensions
- 26 3/4 x 46 1/2 x 3/4 in. (67.9 x 118.1 x 1.9 cm)
weight: 9 lb. 1 oz. (4.1 kg) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 87:1939
NOTES
Mail is one of the oldest forms of metal body armor, dating well before the birth of Christ. It was the primary metal armor in Europe until the appearance of plate armor. With the adoption of plate, the use of mail among the knightly class diminished, but it continued among lesser-ranking soldiers. Because of its similarity to the outer garment worn by certain Catholic clergy, this design has been nicknamed a "bishop's mantle."
Provenance
Clarence H. Mackay (1874–1938), Roslyn, Long Island, New York, NY, USA
William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), Beverly Hills, CA [1]
- 1939
Parish-Watson & Co. Inc., New York, NY
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Parish-Watson & Co., Inc. [2]
Notes:
The majority of the provenance for this object has been provided in notes prepared by scholar Walter J. Karcheski Jr. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted [SLAM document files].
[1] This provenance, noted by Walter J. Karcheski Jr., is further supported by an entry in the Museum's accession record that confirms Hearst's ownership.
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, July 6, 1939.
William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), Beverly Hills, CA [1]
- 1939
Parish-Watson & Co. Inc., New York, NY
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Parish-Watson & Co., Inc. [2]
Notes:
The majority of the provenance for this object has been provided in notes prepared by scholar Walter J. Karcheski Jr. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted [SLAM document files].
[1] This provenance, noted by Walter J. Karcheski Jr., is further supported by an entry in the Museum's accession record that confirms Hearst's ownership.
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, July 6, 1939.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.