• Additional view of object
Oct 16, 2012

Leaf from a Book of Hours: Calendar Page for May (recto)

Leaf from a Book of Hours: Calendar Page for May (recto)

c. 1510

Part of a set. See all set records

This object has related works. See Leaf from a Book of Hours: Adoration of the Magi (recto) and Text with Illustrated Border (verso) (3 of 3 Excised Leaves); Leaf from a Book of Hours: Adam and Eve and the Fall of Man (Prefatory Miniature to the Office of the Virgin) (recto) and Text with Illustrated Border (verso) (1 of 3 Excised Leaves)

France, Rouen, 16th century

Ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum

Leaf: 18.1 x 12.9 cm (7 1/8 x 5 1/16 in.)

The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection 2011.65.a

Location

not on view

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Did you know?

It is believed that medieval men and women read their books of hours aloud, not silently.

Description

This calendar page from a book of hours shows the month of May with an illumination of the labor of the month, falconry, the popular medieval sport of hunting with a trained bird of prey. A couple rides through the forest, a falcon on the man’s outstretched arm. May is also associated with fertility rites, and the next scene shows the amorous couple on a break from the hunt. Below are saint days honored in May. May 5th’s inclusion of Saint Audoennus, who was popular in Rouen, helps indicate that this book was made for use in that city.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Manuscript Illuminations
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Manuscript
Medium: 
Ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Credit line: 
The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection

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