Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1520
MS M.307 fol. 6r

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Month, Occupation: October -- At left, in doorway of building, man wearing hat, holding with both hands horns of bull, turns head of the animal, its muzzle tied to cord attached to top of the doorway. Another man stands next to the bull, wearing cap and apron, raising sledge hammer with both hands above head of the bull. (Scene, Occupational: Butchery) At right, two men wearing hats, one wearing fur lined garment, examine bull tethered by rope to ring in wall of building. All are in paved courtyard with fence. In background is openwork building with thatched roof. Barrels are on ground next to the building. Three figures, one with staff, approach the building, each wearing tall basket on back. (Scene, Occupational: Vintage) Cat or small dog accompanies one of the figures.