The artwork, titled “Calendar: March (Peasants at Work on a Feudal Estate),” was created by the Limbourg brothers in 1416. It is part of the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” series and is an illustration from the International Gothic movement. The medium used is vellum, and the dimensions of the artwork are 22 x 13.5 cm. This piece is currently housed in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.
The artwork depicts a scene centered around agricultural labor within a feudal estate during the month of March. The top section of the artwork contains a semicircular depiction of the zodiac, corresponding to the month. Below this celestial representation lies a beautifully detailed illustration of peasants at work. The foreground features a man guiding an oxen-driven plow across a freshly tilled field, symbolizing the preparation for spring planting. In the mid-ground, another group of peasants can be seen undertaking various tasks, likely related to vineyard maintenance and early growths, while the background is dominated by the impressive structure of a castle, providing a stark contrast to the working peasants and symbolizing the hierarchical nature of medieval society. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details exemplifies the International Gothic style, highlighting the daily life and societal structure of the 15th century with both artistic and historical significance.
