Colin NOUAILHER (c. 1514-c. 1588) (after) After a model created by Jean, Herman and Pol de Limbourg "Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, le calendrier - Miniature of the month of January". Slightly domed rectangular plate in painted polychrome enamel on copper with opaque enamels and gold highlights Monogrammed lower right; foundry counter-enamel. SAMSON in Paris (in the taste of Limoges enamels) - 19th century 17 x 15.8 cm (four missing parts on each edge in the middle) Bibliography * Composition similar to the illuminated miniature on vellum of the month of January created by Jean, Herman and Pol de Limbourg to illustrate the "Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, le calendrier" and kept at the Musée Condé in Chantilly. JANUARY. This is the day of the "étrennes". The Duc de Berry loved to give and receive. Paul de Limbourg and his brothers took part in this celebration themselves. Here we see the Duke seated at his table, surrounded by his family. A large fire burns behind him in the monumental fireplace, tempered by a woven wicker screen. Above the fireplace stands a red silk canopy bearing his coat of arms. Behind the canopy, tapestries depict knights emerging from a fortified castle to confront the enemy, depicting a scene from the Trojan War as it was imagined in France in the Middle Ages. The table is covered with a damask tablecloth, on which are placed dishes, plates and a fine piece of silverware in the shape of a nave, mentioned in the inventories under the name of "Salière du pavillon". The duke's little dogs can also be seen running free among the dishes. Behind the Duke of Berry stand two young men, one of whom is leaning familiarly against the Duke's back. To the right of Jean de Berry sits a prelate in a purple cloak, Martin Gouge, bishop of Chartres. At the front, officers of the ducal court, a cupbearer, a panetier and a squire complete this lively tableau, bringing to life a familiar scene from the life of the ducal court.