Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 55r

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Upper register:
Christ: Nativity and Shepherds: Adoration and Annunciation -- Of three shepherds, one stands, holding pedum in right hand and lifting hat off head with left hand; another, wearing hat, kneels with joined hands raised; and another, holding pedum over right shoulder, kneels with joined hands raised.
At center is Christ Child, nude, reclining on ground and emitting rays. Over him, Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, kneels with joined hands raised. Behind them is ass and ox.
Above, three angels in sky hold sheet with pseudo-musical notation.
At Right, Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, kneels on one knee with hands crossed over breast. Behind him, in distance, angel in sky addresses shepherd, holding pedum in left hand and raising right hand.
Scene takes place in front of shed in landscape setting.
Lower register:
Shepherds: Adoration -- Mary, nimbed and veiled, sits on draped chair (?). In her lap is Christ Child, rays as nimbus, partially draped, raising right hand and extending left hand. Beside them is Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, seated and raising right forefinger.
At right, of three shepherds, one, kneeling on one knee, holds pedum in crook of left arm and extends recorder in right hand; another kneeling on one knee, holds bagpipe in right hand; and third wears hat.
In background are ox and ass in front of shed, in landscape setting.
Miniatures within architectural frame.