Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.390 fol. 53v

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, with rays as nimbus, kneels with joined hands raised to Christ Child, nimbed, nude, emanating rays, laying on ground on towel on hem of mantle of Virgin Mary. Flanking the Virgin Mary are Joseph, nimbed, with joined hands, and ox and ass, all within derelict shed. Rays emanate through hole in roof toward Christ Child. In background, behind low wall and before stone ruins, are two figures, one hooded, witnessing scene.
Margins with scattered flowers, including strawberries and viola.
Escutcheon with arms of Jean Carondelet (azure a fasce and six bezants or en orle, an archiepiscopal cross in pale beneath the shield), with the initials IC and the motto MATURA.