This roundel is one of three acquired by the museum in 1931 (Museum nos.C.133-135-1931). Originally they would have formed part of a set of 12 roundels depicting the ‘Labours of the Months’. Another roundel from this set, depicting the month of January or February is now in the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. The original location of these roundels is unknown but they are believed to have come from the old parsonage at St Michael-at-Coslany in Norwich.
The depiction of the months and occupations associated with them appear early in the Medieval period on church facades and interiors. They also appear in illuminated manuscripts and start to become more common in stained glass in the 14th and, especially, the 15th century.
The occupations depicted in these ‘Labours of the Months’ are mostly agricultural and are thus intimately associated with the landed class and their agricultural labourers. These ‘Labours’ are found all throughout Europe and the occupations depicted are fairly standard but do vary in accordance with the local climate. Harvesting, for instance, began earlier in the year in Southern Europe. Feasting and drinking scenes, mostly aristocratic in form, appear in either December or January in all European countries as these months are traditionally associated with major festivals in the Church year and the slaughtering of animals for winter food.
Some of the ‘Labour of the Months’ stained glass roundels believed to have been painted in England share the same imagery. This imagery must have come from a common source, most likely from a series of woodblock engravings which may have circulated between the glazing workshops.
The figure of a young man wearing a short red tunic and yellow hose which are patterned with trefoils occupies the centre of the roundel. His head is covered by a capuchon, indicating cool weather conditions. He has a pouch attached to a belt around his waist. Over his shoulder is a wicker basket containing seed that he strews across the fields. He is probably sowing seed for wheat that will be harvested in the spring. On many roundels the particular month being illustrated is indicated by some text but not on this roundel. A mid 15th century English poem of the Labours of the Month says for October: ‘here I sow my wheat’ and that is the month most likely illustrated in this roundel.
Because of their small size roundels were within the means of a large number of consumers at the end of the medieval period. The majority of roundels that have survived, both in England and on the Continent, are executed simply in silver stain and brown-black pigment. These were the most affordable of this type of roundel. The roundel here incorporates coloured (pot-metal) glass which would therefore require more labour and skill in its construction. Also, the price of coloured glass (most likely imported from the continent) was higher than clear glass. These types of small stained glass panels are considered to be ‘deluxe roundels’.
Physical description
The figure of a young man wearing a flashed-red short tunic over yellow hose which are patterned with trefoils occupies the centre of the roundel. His head is covered by a capuchon, indicating cool weather conditions. He has a pouch attached to a belt around his waist. Over his shoulder is a wicker basket containing seed that he strews across the fields. He is probably sowing spring wheat. In the left background is a stylised tree and flowers.
Place of Origin
Norwich, United Kingdom (made)
Date
ca. 1480 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Clear and coloured glass with painted details in brown/black pigment and yellow (silver) stain
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.2 cm, Diameter: 32.9 cm including metal rim
Object history note
Believed to have come from the old parsonage at St Michael-at-Coslany, Norwich.
Historical context note
This roundel is one of three acquired by the museum in 1931 (Museum nos.C.133-135-1931). Originally they would have formed part of a set of 12 roundels depicting the ‘Labours of the Months’. Another roundel from this set, depicting the month of January or February is now in the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. The original location of these roundels is unknown but they are believed to have come from the old parsonage at St Michael-at-Coslany in Norwich.
The depiction of the months and occupations associated with them appear early in the Medieval period on church facades and interiors. They also appear in illuminated manuscripts and start to become more common in stained glass in the 14th and, especially, the 15th century.
The occupations depicted in these ‘Labours of the Months’ are mostly agricultural and are thus intimately associated with the landed class and their agricultural labourers. These ‘Labours’ are found all throughout Europe and the occupations depicted are fairly standard but do vary in accordance with the local climate. Harvesting, for instance, began earlier in the year in Southern Europe. Feasting and drinking scenes, mostly aristocratic in form, appear in either December or January in all European countries as these months are traditionally associated with major festivals in the Church year and the slaughtering of animals for winter food.
Some of the ‘Labour of the Months’ stained glass roundels believed to have been painted in England share the same imagery. This imagery must have come from a common source, most likely from a series of woodblock engravings which may have circulated between the glazing workshops.
The figure of a young man wearing a short red tunic and yellow hose which are patterned with trefoils occupies the centre of the roundel. His head is covered by a capuchon, indicating cool weather conditions. He has a pouch attached to a belt around his waist. Over his shoulder is a wicker basket containing seed that he strews across the fields. He is probably sowing seed for wheat that will be harvested in the spring. On many roundels the particular month being illustrated is indicated by some text but not on this roundel. A mid 15th century English poem of the Labours of the Month says for October: ‘here I sow my wheat’ and that is the month most likely illustrated in this roundel.
Because of their small size roundels were within the means of a large number of consumers at the end of the medieval period. The majority of roundels that have survived, both in England and on the Continent, are executed simply in silver stain and brown-black pigment. These were the most affordable of this type of roundel. The roundel here incorporates coloured (pot-metal) glass which would therefore require more labour and skill in its construction. Also, the price of coloured glass (most likely imported from the continent) was higher than clear glass. These types of small stained glass panels are considered to be ‘deluxe roundels’.
Descriptive line
Roundel of clear and coloured glass with yellow (silver) stain and brown painted details. Depicting a young man sowing seeds and illustrating, probably, the month of October, from a series of the Labours of the Months. Made in England (Norwich), ca.1480
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Paul Williamson, Medieval and Renaissance Stained Glass in the Victoria & Albert Museum, V&A, 2003
Kerry Ayre, Medieval English Figurative Roundels, (CVMA), Summary Catalogue 6, British Academy 2002
The Burrell Collection, HarperCollins, reprinted 2001
p.114 Illustration of a roundel of a man warming himself before a fire. Described as probably part of a set of roundels, along with these three from the V&A, from the old parsonage of St Michael-at-Coslany in Norwich
E.A. Kent, 'The Seasons in Domestic Glass', Journal of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, iv, 3 (1933-4), pp.19-24
G.A.King, drawings (box/folder/drawing) 2/2/23 [C.135-1931], 2/2/24 [C.133-1931], 2/2/25 [C.134-1931]
held at the Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society, Garsett House, Norwich
P.Lasco and N.J. Morgan, Medieval Art in East Anglia 1300-1520, Norwich, 1973
p.62 David King, following Woodforde, makes the connection between these roundels and those in the Burrell Collection, Besthorpe Church and St Peter Mancroft
no.96
R. Marks, Stained Glass in England during the Middle Ages, London, 1993
Bernard Rackham, A Guide to the Collection of Stained Glass, Victoria & Albert Museum, 1936
C.J.W. Winter, A Selection of Illustrations of Norfolk and Norwich Antiquities, 2 vols., Norwich, 1885-88, 1887-88
C.Woodforde, The Norwich School of Glass-Painting in the Fifteenth Century, London, 1950
Brian Coe, Stained Glass in England 1150-1550, London, 1981
p.83
Herbert Read, 'The Labours of the Months: A series of stained glass roundels', Burlington Magazine, vol.43, no.247 (Oct.1923), pp.166-8
Sherrie Eatman,' The October Labour', V&A Conservation Journal, no.45, pp.6-7
Exhibition History
Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547 (Victoria and Albert Museum 09/10/2003-18/01/2004)
Labels and date
Gothic
Three roundels showing the Labours of the Months
About 1480-1500
The roundels are a fine example of Norwich glass painting. Intended for a domestic glazing scheme, they follow the traditional practice of representing the months with an appropriate action. In winter a man warms his foot by the fire. In late summer he picks grapes. In autumn he sows seeds.
Stained and painted glass
Made in Norwich
Formerly in the parsonage of the church at St. Michael-at-Coslany
Norwich
a) January or February
Glasgow Museums: The Burrell Collection
b) September
V&A: C.133-1931
c) October
V&A: C.134-1931
Cat. 160 [2003]
Production Note
Formerly in the parsonage of the church at St. Michael-at-Coslany
Materials
Glass
Techniques
Painting; Silver staining
Subjects depicted
Men; Autumn; Farming; Seasons; Time; Farmers; Hoods
Categories
Stained Glass
Collection code
CER
