Large manuscript broadside 'calendrier perpétuel', beautifully executed in pencil, ink, and wash. 23 1/4 x 32 1/2 inches. Broadside, mounted and surrounded with marbled paper. Some light browning and foxing visible, one or two minor abrasions, small tear along bottom edge, a couple of very small pinprick-size losses, overall bright and very good. [Aire-sur-Adour, France], 1856.

This beautiful calendar was executed and signed by a young student, Emile Pédedieu, at the College d'Aire, and was dedicated to his dear parents. Although our research turned up no school by this exact name, it most likely refers to the seminary in the historic town of Aire-sur-Adour in southwestern France.

The central field of the calendar is divided into three tables within architectural frames composed of calligraphic flourishes, with a central pencil-drawn image of Kronos/Cronus and his harvesting scythe, depicted as an old bearded man equated with Father Time. The three frames contain the various calendar tables and instructions for the use of the calendar: "Pour savoir le jour de la semaine par lequel le mois aura commencé (ou devra commencer), cherchez la lettre dominicale de l'année et en suite le mois; et suivant la ligne où celui-ci se trouve placé, jusqu'à la colonne et dessous la lettre dominicale de l'année, vous trouverez le jour de la semaine par lequel le mois devra commencer. Si le mois commence par un lundi portez-vous au tableau du lundi etc, etc."

According to a post from the Special Collections department at Iowa State University, in perpetual calendars, "dominical letters are used to determine the day of the week for any given date. The letters A through G are assigned to the days in the week, beginning with A for January 1. The dominical letter for any given year indicates the letter that is assigned to Sunday for that year." (Amy Bishop, "Rare Book Highlights: Volvelles", Cardinal Tales, July 5, 2018). This calendar also has small ornamental plaques with information on the four natural seasons and the four seasons in the Christian liturgical year.

This calendar is a feat of calligraphy and penmanship. Every column and every frame is made up of numerous miniscule squiggles and hatch marks, each line executed with a high level of precision. The level of detail and degree of accomplishment in the execution of the calligraphy in this calendar is incredibly impressive. A unique and masterful item.

Book ID: 53635

Price: $4,000.00