Books of hours, prayer books for laymen, were in common use in many European countries by the 15th century and were produced in vast numbers. They generally had a calendar and several sections of prayers, usually decorated with appropriate miniatures. This scene is one of twelve compositions in this Burgundian manuscript. The decoration consists of elaborate plant motifs into which are incorporated fabulous creatures, drolleries, and medallions containing subjects drawn from the Old Testament. This abundance of rich imagery and colour reflects the style of the Flemish-Burgundian School, which used and based itself on the traditions of the French school of miniature painting.