“Juillet Sheep Shearing,” created by the Limbourg brothers, is an illustration from the “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” series, exemplifying the International Gothic art movement. The artwork features a detailed and vivid depiction of the activity of sheep shearing.
In the artwork, two figures are meticulously engaged in the process of shearing sheep. One individual, clothed in a vibrant blue garment, kneels on the grass, focused intently on the task at hand. The other, draped in more muted tones, sits beside them, carefully holding a sheep. Surrounding them, a number of sheep populate the scene, with clipped wool scattered on the ground, highlighting the laborious procedure. The background subtly illustrates a pastoral setting, enhancing the serene and industrious ambiance of the scene. The detailed and refined style is characteristic of the International Gothic movement, capturing a moment of rural life with both precision and artistic elegance.