On day 9 of the Culture Tourist Art Blogmas 2022, we’ll enjoy in a very special medieval book illustration – February from The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, painted by Paul Limbourg.
Art Blogmas 2022
This illustration was a part of one of the most important medieval books – The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. It was primarily painted by the Limbourg brothers between 1412 and 1416. After they died of, probably, the plague, the manuscript was finished by other artists later in the 15th century. However, all those artists came from Low countries. So, the style of the illustration is consistent throughout the book.
⤷ Read more: Jan van Eyck at MSK in Ghent
Paul Limbourg: February
These kinds of calendar images were very popular during the Middle Ages. They often represent labours of the months and peasants busy with the work in the field. Or, aristocrats hunt and enjoy other leisure activities typical for that time of the year.
It’s the same with our picture, representing the month of February. On the upper part of the image, we can see the calendar and the zodiac signs – showing Aquarius and Pisces.
Below are the peasants busy with work typical for winter. One of them is cutting down a tree with an axe. We can also see birds in the garden eating seeds.
An interesting activity is happening inside the house, as well. It looks like people are warming up their arms and legs. However, some of them don’t wear their underpants. Although nudity may seem unusual for a religious book, surprisingly, it wasn’t that uncommon back then.
If you don’t want to miss other paintings I’m going to share with you in this year’s Art Blogmas, be sure to check in here tomorrow morning. Or, follow along on the Culture Tourist Facebook page and Instagram profile.