Food for Thought Reading Assignment

Week 11: Thursday, November 14

Please come to class prepared to discuss the respective problems of those who worked, those who prayed, and those who fought. I highly suggest that you bring your textbook to class on this day.

For information on those involved in producing the Book of Hours, see: http://www.christusrex.org/www2/berry/index.html

After looking at the illustrations from the Duc de Berry's Book of Hours, answer the question that follows your name.

Meaghan: January: What message did the Duc de Berry attempt to convey about himself and his place in the world with this painting?

David: February: How did the Limbourg brothers represent February? Do you agree with the caption that this miniature attests to the brothers' "power of observation"? Why?

Elizabeth, Jerod: March: Why is the composition of this piece significant? What did the Limbourg brothers choose to represent, and where did they place these representations?

Colin: April: What elements do the Limbourgs emphasize in this betrothal?

Julie: May: What do you think was the purpose of this May 1 tradition?

Brendan: June: What can we learn about peasant life and work from this miniature?

Robert: July: What can we learn about peasant life and work from this miniature?

Mark: August: How does this piece draw a parallel between the nobility and the peasantry?

Gina: September: What can we learn about peasant life and work from this miniature?

Evelyn: October: What can we learn about peasant life and work from this miniature?

Evan: November: Why do you think forests were so important to the medieval economy? Why did nobles take such great care not to cut all their forests down?

Jessica: December: Why do you think the Duc de Berry wished to have a painting of this sort included in his Book of Hours?