Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel Book
Italy, San Benedetto Po, between 1075 and 1099
MS M.492 fol. 20v

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Zone 1:
Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, scalloped nimbus, veiled, seated on bench with footstool, holds cross-nimbed Christ Child seated in her lap, extending His arms toward approaching crowned Magi. Two wear tunics; one is beardless.
Zone 2:
Magi: Dream -- Three Magi, one beardless, each crowned, lying on mattresses, are approached by angel, scalloped nimbus, holding trefoil-surmounted staff in left hand, and pointing toward them with his right hand.
Zone 3:
1) Joseph the Carpenter: Dream II -- Joseph, lying on couch, extends arms toward half-figure of angel, holding roll in left hand, and with his right hand extending scroll inscribed (ET) ACCIPE PUERU(M) (ET) MATRE(M) EI(US) (ET) FUGE I(N) EGYPTU(M) from Matthew 2:13. Both have scalloped nimbi.
2) Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, holds cross-nimbed Christ Child holding roll in His draped right hand, and sits sideways on bridled ass led by Joseph, scalloped nimbus, carrying staff with container over his right shoulder.