Calendar: January (Banquet Scene) 1416

Calendar: January (Banquet Scene) was painted by the Limbourg brothers, sometime in the early 15th century. The painting provides a fascinating look into the opulence of courtly life, but also raises questions about power, class, and representation in the late Middle Ages. The scene depicts a lavish banquet, likely hosted by the Duke of Berry, a prominent member of the French royal family. The Duke is seen at the table under a fleur-de-lis cloth, wearing an elaborate blue and gold robe. This focus on material wealth prompts us to consider the socio-economic disparities of the time. While the elite indulged in extravagant displays of wealth, the majority of the population lived in poverty and hardship. In the background, we see soldiers, reminding us of the constant threat of war. The painting serves as a reminder of the complex social and political structures that shaped the lives of people of the era. While celebrating the pleasures of courtly life, it also invites reflection on questions of power and inequality.