Golden Calendar of Albrecht Glockendon from 1526

Golden Calendar of Albrecht Glockendon from 1526

The Nuremberg miniaturist Albrecht Glockendon created a wonderful gem of 16th century illumination with his Golden Calendar of Albrecht Glockendon from 1526. His 16-page astrological text with an everlasting calendar assembles a wonderful miniature for each month and the small book concludes with astrological tables and references, e.g. for bloodletting or calculating church holidays during the year. Decorative miniatures with scenes from everyday life are adorned with zodiac signs as well as floral and ornamental elements in the most luminous colors and with the lavish application of gold leaf.

A Nuremberg Miniaturist of the Dürer Period

Albrecht Glockendon, the artist of this wonderful manuscript, originated from a famous Nuremberg family of artists and miniaturists during the Dürer period. He was employed by a diverse milieu of patrons both noble and common. With his highly-prized artistic works, Albrecht Glockendon provided evidence that in the 16th century, when manuscripts and thereby the art of illumination were being slowly replaced by printing, great artists were still active in this field and produced truly masterful performances.

Twelve Months in Twelve Wonderful Miniatures

The 32 pages of the Golden Calendar from 1526 demonstrates why the miniaturist from Nuremberg was so highly esteemed. Each double-page deals with one of the twelve months, whereby a miniature illustrating the accompanying text in poetic form is featured on the verso. The respective month is explained by its sign and suitable life rules in gorgeous script with countless decorative flourishes and sometimes even gold ink. The decorative and richly-detailed miniatures attest to the great artistry of Albrecht Glockendon at his best. As such, the illustration for March shows a wonderful scene of farmers with horse and cart during field work, June is accompanied by a depiction of sheep shearing, which comes due in this month. Three people dressed like farmers sit before a green landscape with half-timbered houses in the background, each holding a wooly sheep for sheering, respectively. Illustrations like this and others from the agricultural cycle of the year accentuate the manuscript’s everlasting calendar. The small pictures are framed by decorative architectural ornaments in gold, which stand before the depictions like theater scenery. There is a medallion of the respective zodiac sign in the decorative border under the illustration, which is surrounded by floral ornamentation. Everything is designed in the brightest of colors with the most loving detail.

Artfully Designed Astrological Tables and Tools

Following after the 12 months are four pages with astrological content, which expanded on the rules for life in the depiction of the months. An artfully-designed man being bled is given along with a table for determining the position of the moon for information on an advantageous date for a bloodletting. A compass helps with the calculation of specific dates and numbers relating to the agricultural calendar. Albrecht Glockendon’s calendar book represents an impressive example for the connection of traditional knowledge from the country with the new humanist interest in astrological phenomena. The illustrations are of high worth for art history, the entire calendar book offers collectors and enthusiasts the wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the miniature art of Albrecht Glockendon.