Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 52v

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Magi: Adoration -- Joseph the Carpenter, holding crutch in right hand, kneels beside Virgin Mary, with rayed nimbus, veiled, sitting on bed (?) and holding in her lap partially draped infant Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, extending left hand toward open casket held by magus, kneeling on one knee beside his crown on ground. Behind him stand other two magi, both crowned, wearing fur-lined garments, and holding covered vessels. In background is shed, with ox and ass behind wattle fence, trees, and sky with stars, one emanating rays.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) Christ: ministered to by Angels -- Devil, horned, departs to left away from Christ, nimbed, with right hand on His Breast, standing before angel, holding bowl in extended hands. Diapered background.
2) Christ: returning to Galilee -- Christ, nimbed, with hands raised, stands beside sea before city. Diapered background.
3) Christ: calling Peter and Andrew -- Andrew, nimbed, holding saltire cross, with oar in right hand and end of fishing net in left hand, sits in boat with Peter, nimbed, holding key, oar and the other end of the fishing net. In background is sky with stars (Christ not shown).
4) Christ: calling Peter and Andrew -- Andrew, holding saltire cross, and Peter, holding key, both nimbed, stand beside Christ, nimbed, gesturing. Diapered background.