Place et rôle des saisons dans Tibulle 1.1.7–48

This paper considers the praise of an ideal country life in Tibullus 1.1.7–48 with regard to the yearly succession of the four seasons that some critics have believed to act as an underlying structure for the whole passage. A careful examination of the occupations alluded to by the poet and a comparison with the information provided on the agricultural calendar by other Latin texts show that such a rigid division does not correspond to reality. If the presence of references linked to the seasons is not disputed, they are not systematic and are most often left vague: they offer a natural background to the narration rather than a structuring element. Such an approach fits well with Tibullus' method of composition and is perfectly suited to the opening piece of his collection.