Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, possibly the Veneto, ca. 1425-1450
MS M.1089 fol. 54r

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Christ: Baptism -- Within initial D, Christ, with joined hands, wearing short loincloth, stands in Jordan. John Baptist, raising right hand, pours water over head of Christ. In foreground, youthful woman, probably Virgin Mary, carrying book with both hands, approaches building with chimney.
Margins decorated with frame of gold bars decorated with floreate ornament inhabited by birds, and floreate medallions enclosing profile bust of woman, and half-figure of youth. In lower margin, stag (deer) seated on rocky outcrop flanked by two putti holding garland and grasping handle of vase. Another putto at lower right grasping handle of vase.