Item Info

Script: Bastarda
Language: French
Folio Number: f. 61v
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: The Castle of Labor
Notes: This manuscript, which has been dated to ca. 1430-1440, was previously attributed to a follower of the Bedford Master.
Notes: This miniature introduces the fortieth chapter of the allegorical poem La Voie de Povreté ou de Richesse (The Way of Poverty or of Wealth) composed by the French poet Jacques Bruyant in ca. 1342. In this manuscript, the poem is called Le Livre de Chastel de Labour (The Book of the Castle of Labor) and comprises forty-six chapters. It is an allegory of the profits of hard work. The poem concerns Newlywed, as the hero is called, who is visited one night in a dream by Want, Necessity, Suffering, and Hunger. They scold him for not having found work. He is eventually saved by Reason who shows him the paths to a virtuous life. This miniature depicts the Castle of Labor in which workmen labor to construct the castle. In the roundels in the margins are scenes depict labors associated with the four seasons: sowing, reaping, woodcutting, and harvesting grapes.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1466038
Country: Country:France
City/Town/Township:Paris

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1450
Image Dimensions Width: 200 mm
ShelfMark: Widener 1
Creator Name: Fastolf Master - Artist