One of my many failed careers was theatrical costume design. While my design skills may not have been noteworthy, I excelled at costume research, pouring through art history books for artworks made at the same time period as the setting of the play I was designing. I could have used a costume history book—textbooks with sketches of clothing from different eras were what most designers used as resources—but I always wanted to go to primary sources (or, at least, to pictures of primary sources).
At the Cathedral Museum in Ferrara, which I visited last month when I was in Italy, I discovered this carving of a grape harvest. I don’t specifically recall costuming any plays set in a northern Italian vineyard in 1225, but if I had, surely this exquisite artwork would have been the perfect primary source.
Originally from a series of sculptures around one of the cathedral doors, this relief was torn down during the hateful era of rampaging Baroque renovation. The artist, known only as the Master of the Months, truly created a masterpiece.
A costume designer dreams of these details. I especially love the man’s close-fitting cap with the outline of his ear and a fringe of hair peeking out the back. I wonder what he stored in the little bag over his shoulder?
And the elegant details of his tunic, knotted at his waist to keep clean during the impending grape-stomping.
His face could be from the classical era.
The veins on his hand, even the suggestion of tiny pot belly—surprising to see this level of naturalism in the early 13th century.
Also, so rare—so wonderful!—to see a secular and common person presented with respect.
Enjoy this closeup of the grape picker’s sturdy foot next to a—GAH! NOW YOU’RE JUST SHOWING OFF, MASTER OF THE MONTHS—minutely detailed wicker basket.
Mmmmmm…ripe grapes.
The specficity of the twine around the grapevines could serve as an agricultural instruction manual.
Looking back it’s obvious the real reason I was doing all that costume research was that I loved art history (and theater). These days, I think I’ve finally found a successful career path, and I’m lucky enough to be able to travel to study these delightful primary sources in person.
How I got to Ferrara: Train from Florence.
Where I slept: Honey Rooms Ferrara. Price: €61 for a single. Recommended: yes.
Picnic at the Cathedral 
I showed this post to a friend who happens to be a wine producer in NW Italy, with vineyards (obviously!). He noted how even the grapes look realistic. “They could be Nebbiolo grapes for all I know” he commented. A scene from 800 years ago, still so vivid and fresh. Amazing. Well done Master!
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This was back when all the art with baby Jesus had him with teeth, pattern baldness and weird mangled limbs and then Master comes along is like “Hey, I know what a person and Nebbiola grapes looks like”–bam!
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What a wonderful piece.
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Oh that museum was small but packed with absolute treasures!
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Yes, definitely surprising for the 13th century. But what a wonderful piece!
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There’s series of these (taken from the cathedral door) on display in the museum. Another one I loved has a well-articulated shaft of wheat.
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I knew you sewed but had no idea of your original career dream. That grape harvester/stomper bonnet might have been protective from hair and sweat maybe falling loosely into the grape piles?
I look forward to more about your most recent Italy trip.
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Or to keep squished grapes from his hair?
It was a great trip for art!
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