HORENBOUT, Gerard
(b. ca. 1465, Ghent, d. ca. 1541, London)

Grimani Breviary: The Month of January

1510s
Manuscript (Ms. lat. I 99), 280 x 215 mm
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Venice

The illustrations of the breviary alternate among lively scenes of everyday life, episodes from the Old and New Testaments, and imposing figures of saints. Among the most fascinating scenes are those of the twelve months of the year, with glimpses of the occupations of nobility peasantry, the seasons, the countryside and work in the fields.

The sequence begins in January, with a scene of domestic pleasures and comfort in a wealthy family.