Item Info

Script: Bastarda
Language: Latin; Calendar, some rubrics and prayers in French
Folio Number: ff. 2v-3r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: April and May
Notes: Calendars in books of hours were primarily used to keep track of the feast days of the church. While most of the feast days are written in blue and red ink in this manuscript, the most important days are indicated with golden letters. We know that this book of hours was intended to be used by someone who lived in Rouen due to the appearance in the calendar of feast days celebrated only in that city, such as the feast of Saint Ouen, which was celebrated on May 5, and appears here in red.

Calendars in medieval books of hours were typically decorated with the zodiac signs and labors or activities appropriate to each month. Here, April is represented by the symbol of Taurus and the activity of falconry. On the next page, May is represented by the symbol of Gemini and a courting couple riding together on a horse.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1560478
Country: Country:France
City/Town/Township:Rouen

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1499
Image Dimensions Width: 187 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 125