Visit Guédelon Blog
This swineherd is preparing to knock down more acorns for his foraging pigs with his sturdy stick. Green acorns contain toxins that are poisonous to cattle and to people. The protein rich acorn fodder is not harmful to pigs at all. The medieval domesticated porcus has quite a different look to him. His legs and snout are certainly longer. You can't miss those bristles either!
The pigs of Guédelon certainly look content in this photo! v
Jean Pucelle (French, active in Paris, ca. 1320–1334)
November calendar page from The Hours of Jeanne d’Évreux, ca. 1324–1328
Grisaille and tempera on vellum; 3 1/2 x 2 5/8 in. (8.9 x 6.2 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.2)
See the Collection Database to learn more about this work of art.
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4 comments:
These pigs look as if they are in deep conversation. I wonder if they are discussing the weather. If nothing else, they do look fat and happy.
As always - love the history you provide on this blog! Not only did I not know that green acorns are poisonous to cattle and people - this also confirms that pigs can and will eat anything.
The pigs in the illustration bear a striking resemblance to javelina.
How perfectly delightful! This is a wonderful website! I shall be back to visit often!
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