Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Milan, ca. 1450-1475
MS M.80 fol. 13r

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Initial D enclosing half figure of Virgin Mary, nimbed, holding nude Christ Child, nimbed, His left arm around her neck, His right hand extended to her. Initial decorated with foliate ornament.
Margins decorated with floreate ornament and medallions enclosing: half figure of Jeremiah, holding scroll inscribed JEREMIA; inscription YHS with cross; half figure of Isaiah holding scroll inscribed ISAIA; cameo of profile bust flanked by initials M and C; cameo of profile bust flanked by initials E and A; half figure of Noah holding scroll inscribed NOE; bust of Daniel holding scroll inscribed DANIEL. Lower margin, center, escutcheon with arms possibly of Sampieri of Bologna (azure a greyhound argent, collared gules, above and below it a star of 8 points or, in the dexter angle a fleur-de-lis), enclosed in medallion supported by two putti, their bodies terminating in foliage.