Robinet Testard Collection

October - feeding pigs on acorns, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
October - feeding pigs on acorns, 15th century, (1939). A peasant couple practice pannage - the releasing of domestic pigs into woodland to feed on acorns or beechnuts

September - an ill-matched couple, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
September - an ill-matched couple, 15th century, (1939). A grey-haired old man surrounded by buzzing flies caresses the hand of a young woman wearing a bridal headpiece as a dog watches through an

July - threshing, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
July - threshing, 15th century, (1939). Peasants using flails to thresh wheat. The separated grain is used to make flour. The stalks are then dried to make hay

March - working in the vineyard, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
March - working in the vineyard, 15th century, (1939). Two labourers among the bare vine stocks: the man bending over on the left is hoeing the ground to turn the earth over

February - spinning, late 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
February - spinning, late 15th century, (1939). A man takes off his boots to warm his feet by the fire as a woman uses a wheel to spin thread

June - mowing, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
June - mowing, 15th century, (1939). Peasants mow the wheat. The men use scythes to cut the ears at the bottom while the women hold forks to heap the mown ears into piles

April - lovers in a garden, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
April - lovers in a garden, 15th century, (1939). April traditionally marked the beginning of spring and was associated with love

December - baking, 15th century, (1939). Creators: Robinet Testard, Jean Bourdichon
December - baking, 15th century, (1939). Man and woman using a long-handled wooden paddle to bake bread in an oven. Behind are balls of raw dough ready to be baked

August - old woman in wheelbarrow, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
August - old woman in wheelbarrow, 15th century, (1939). A peasant with ragged hose pushes a wheelbarrow in which sits a drunken old woman holding a bottle, a fork and a flail for threshing grain

May - wild men jousting, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
May - wild men jousting, 15th century, (1939). The leafy foliage coves the battling knights bodies like armour, and forms the horses headstalls and caparisons

January - dinner at New Year, 15th century, (1939). Creator: Robinet Testard
January - dinner at New Year, 15th century, (1939). The old man sitting and drinking from a bowl symbolises Janus, the god of gates and transitions. Two women, one richly dressed, stand at the table

The Allegory of Music, c1496-1498, (1939). Artist: Robinet Testard
The Allegory of Music, c1496-1498, (1939). The illustration is part of the manuscript, Les Echecs Amoureux, c1496-1498, housed by the Bibliotheque nationale de France, Paris. From Verve - Nos

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Robinet Testard: A Glimpse into 15th Century Life" Step back in time to the enchanting world of Robinet Testard, a talented artist whose works from the late 15th century continue to captivate us even today. Each month reveals a different facet of life during this era, offering us an insight into the customs and traditions that shaped society. In October, we witness peasants feeding pigs on acorns, highlighting their resourcefulness and connection with nature. This simple act speaks volumes about their self-sufficiency and ingenuity. Moving on to September, Testard portrays an ill-matched couple, reminding us that love doesn't always follow societal norms. It's a poignant reminder that relationships have always been complex and diverse throughout history. July brings us to the threshing fields where hardworking farmers laboriously separate grain from chaff. The depiction showcases their dedication towards ensuring food security for their communities. March transports us to vineyards where workers diligently tend to grapevines under the watchful eye of Testard's brushstrokes. Their commitment reflects both the importance of viticulture in this period and its impact on local economies. February unveils spinning as women skillfully transform raw materials into thread—a vital task in textile production during those times. This scene underscores the essential role played by women in sustaining household industries. June presents mowing as men harvest crops against picturesque landscapes. The idyllic setting reminds us of the harmony between humans and nature prevalent in agricultural societies centuries ago. April takes us into lush gardens where lovers find solace amidst blooming flowers—an eternal symbol of romance transcending time itself. Such scenes evoke emotions that are timeless yet uniquely rooted in this historical context. December offers a glimpse into baking traditions as people prepare festive treats for celebrations at year-end—conjuring images of warmth, joy, and communal gatherings around hearths filled with tantalizing aromas.