Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Cambrai, 1490-1500
MS M.116 fol. 68v

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Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Virgin Mary, rays as nimbus, veiled, rides sideways on ass, holding with both hands, swaddled Christ Child, nimbed. Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, wearing hat and hood, holds reins and basket with right hand, holds walking stick draped with sack or cloth over left shoulder with left hand. In background, idol falls from pedestal. Scene in hilly landscape with trees, and with city in distance.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including thistle, acanthus leaves, strawberry and viola, and inhabited by butterfly and bird.