Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Veneto, early 16th century
M.288 fol. 1r

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Christ: Nativity -- Within initial D, nude Christ Child, nimbed, reclines on His right side on ground. He is flanked by Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, and by Virgin Mary, both nimbed, with joined hands, kneeling. Rays descend from above. Tree is in background.
Margins decorated with gold floreate ornament, some emerging from vases or dishes, on blue background; in lower margin, crouching nude figure, possibly female, crowned, winged, armless, amid foliage, and flanked by two birds.