Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1480
MS M.493 fol. 58v

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Magi: Adoration -- Beneath rays issuing from Star of Bethlehem, Joseph the Carpenter, holding hat with right hand, attends Virgin Mary, scalloped nimbus, wearing fillet, supporting with both hands on her lap nude Christ Child, scalloped nimbus. All three look toward eldest Magus, with joined hands raised, kneeling beside hat on ground, accompanied by two other Magi behind wattle-fence, one, wearing turban-like headgear, holds roll with right hand and with left hand holds house-shaped vessel surmounted by five crosses, looks up, beside the other Magus wearing hat, his back turned, departing through shed. Scene in landscape with trees and city in background. Borders decorated with gold scrolling foliate and floreate ornament against blue background.