Appendix C: Astronomical and Calendrical Data in the Tres Riches Heures

Abstract

It is not surprising that a work of the artistic excellence displayed in the Très Riches Heures also shows competence on the part of the makers of the calendar which precedes in traditional fashion the devotional sections. What “competent” means in this line of work in the early 15th century is perhaps not obvious to historians of art. We therefore hope to contribute a little to the appreciation of the Très Riches Heures when we draw attention to some aspects of medieval astronomy embedded in the tables and miniatures which open the book.