Warm fire on a chilly day

Welcome February!  Tomorrow we find out what the groundhog has to say about Spring.

Yes, you've seen this picture on the blog before. It's my favorite calendar page from the Book of Hours, the most famous example of French Gothic illuminated manuscript illustration still in existence. It is probably the most valuable book in the world.

The book was created for Jean de France, Duc de Berry, the richest man of his time, described as extravagant, greedy and ruthless. He was a bon vivant, fond of food and sensual pleasures. He traveled between his magnificent castles and estates living the good life.  He was also a passionate book collector, and a patron of artists.

Duc de Berry

In 1409, he hired the Limbourg Brothers, famous Dutch miniature painters, to illuminate a personal Book of Hours prayer book.  He was pleased with their work, and the brothers received favors and court positions.

In 1416, the three Limbourg brothers died, presumably of the plague. They were under 30 years old, which seems unbelievable, considering their accomplishments. The Très Riches Heures was still unfinished, but other artists completed the book later.  The February illustration, however, is attributed to the Limbourg brothers.

As they say, every picture tells a story. You can get lost in the detail of medieval farm life under the cold winter light, men working, the sheep, dove cote and beehives.

OK, maybe the naughty details are the most interesting.  A cut-away view of the house interior shows two peasants immodestly keeping themselves warm, while the fine lady in the beautiful blue dress looks the other way.