The calendar
One of the key features of books of hours consists in their Calendars , generally preceding the offices. In these calendars, illuminators would illustrate the characteristic occupations of the various Months of the year, generally accompanied by the pertaining signs of the zodiac . In the Libro d’Ore Durazzo, the calendar features 24 scenes , two per page, each page being dedicated to one month. The sign of the zodiac is to the left and the activities associated with the month in question are to the right. Marmitta, with his characteristically meticulous approach, provides a series of enchanting scenes illustrating the day-to-day occupations of the common people .