The Representation of April in the Calendar of 354
Michele Renee Salzman
The illustrations of the months in famous Calendar 354, preserved several Renaissance copies, are a rich source for study late antiquity. This article examines one which, since its discovery seventeenth century, has presented problems interpretation historians art and religion alike. representation April been understood as depiction rite pagan festival Venus, noted on 1 April. iconographic historical attendant upon this traditional can be resolved by examining proper context image. better illustration Roman Magna Mater, celebrated Rome A.D. 354 from 4 to 10 new explanation image wide-ranging religious significance. illustrated which known studied provides an invaluable information about fourth century Rome; yet persist. Calendar, with each month page facing corresponding text, forms nucleus what was much larger manuscript, compiled single codex use year 354: added were various other illustrations, such those astrological signs two eponymous consuls, unillustrated lists containing names prefects city Depositions Bishops. original is lost, Carolingian copy (Luxemburgensis), last seen described letter 1620 French scholar Peiresc. manuscript sixteenth however, best these, executed under Peiresc's supervision, now Vatican Library.' Mommsen, first modern deal manuscripts, interpreted piece nostalgia, written after rites had ceased exert their influence over Christian empire. Mommsen supported view pointing evidence within Calendar-the information, Dedicatory formula-which indicates that it
American Journal of Archaeology