The artwork, titled “Calendar: January (Banquet Scene),” was created by the Limbourg brothers in 1416. This piece, a vellum illustration, is part of the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” series and measures 22 x 13.5 cm. It belongs to the International Gothic art movement and is currently housed in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.
The illustration depicts a lavish banquet scene with a multitude of finely dressed individuals, engaging in dining and celebrating. The gathering appears to be of high-ranking nobility, indicated by their elaborate garments and the sumptuous feast laid before them, replete with various foods and golden vessels. The rich use of colors, especially the vibrant blues, reds, and golds, highlights the wealth and the festive nature of the event. The intricacies of medieval life and customs are vividly captured, with attention to detailing in both human figures and architectural elements. Above the banquet, an astrological arch, adorned with the zodiac signs and celestial motifs, symbolizes the month of January, adding a harmonious blend of the terrestrial and the celestial to the artwork.
