Unknown
(French, Limoges)
The Twelve Months
mid-16th century
enamel on copper
3.5 x 4.38 in, each enamel
8.89 x 11.11 cm
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
63.37.1-12
On these oval plaques each month is depicted in enamel, after the engravings by Etienne Delaune. Correlating labors—cyclical medieval occupations, from the feasting and courtship of the nobility to the sowing and harvesting of the peasantry—represent each month. All of the plaques display the sign of the zodiac at the top, and each is labeled with the name of the month in French, except July. These plaques were likely nailed to a large casket.
JS