For more details on calendar pages or the Golf Book, please see the post for January 2013.

 

Calendar page for February with a feasting scene, from the Golf Book (Book of Hours, Use of Rome), workshop of Simon Bening, Netherlands (Bruges), c. 1540, Additional MS 24098, f. 19v

The opening full-page miniature for February (above) shows a continuation of the winter 'labour' of feasting, albeit in a much more lavish setting than is typical of such calendar scenes.  In this miniature, a lord and lady are being served at table in a richly-appointed room; they are surrounded by attendants and are being entertained by a troop of musicians who are accompanied by a rather mischievous-looking jester. In the bas-de-page, a group of men in grisaille are playing at hoop rolling.  On the following folio (below) can be found the saints' days for February and the zodiac sign of Pisces, while the hoop games continue.  The games on this folio seem slightly more complicated and acrobatic than the previous (although we are not certain that 'acrobatic' is the best adjective for what the two gentlemen on the right appear to be doing; as always, any suggestions or comments are most welcome!).

 

Calendar page for February with a bas-de-page scene of men playing at hoop-rolling, from the Golf Book (Book of Hours, Use of Rome), workshop of Simon Bening, Netherlands (Bruges), c. 1540, Additional MS 24098, f. 20r