The calendar pages of the Spinola Hours feature illustrations of the month’s saints, notable feats, Zodiac sign and a the Labour of the Month, all framed within grisaille figures and architectural decoration.
January’s ‘labour’ is feasting - it is Christmastide and the celebrations continue through the month after period of fasting and waiting during Advent.
A man warms himself by the fire whilst a woman spreads the table. Outside, another man (possibly the same one) wraps up warm against the snow, the tops of the bare trees visible above the wall.
There is something quite relatable about how wrapped up and cosy this little guy looks, even 500 years after he was painted. I like him a lot, and have had some die-cut stickers of his image made ready for January 2025.
The Spinola Hours are held in the Getty Museum in Los Angeles California, and these images are used as part of Getty’s Open Content Program.