The artwork titled “Calendar: April (Courtly Figures in the Castle Grounds)” was created by the Limbourg brothers in 1416. This illustration, rendered on vellum, belongs to the International Gothic art movement and is part of the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” series. It is currently housed in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.
The artwork depicts an elaborate scene characteristic of medieval courtly life, set against the backdrop of a grand, meticulously detailed castle. Elegant courtly figures are depicted in the foreground, engaged in various activities amid a lush, verdant landscape. The attention to detail in their attire, marked by rich colors and exquisite patterns, is indicative of the illustration’s purpose to convey the opulence and sophistication of the era. Above the courtly scene, an astronomical arch features signs of the zodiac and a celestial chariot, symbolizing the passage of time and the month of April. The vibrant colors and fine details are testament to the Limbourg brothers’ masterful craftsmanship, characteristic of the International Gothic style.
