Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Paris, Rouen, or Tours, ca. 1520
MS M.290 fol. 28v

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Christ: Nativity -- Christ Child, nimbed, wearing diaphanous loincloth, is seated on cloth on ground, with angel, nimbed, kneeling behind Him. At right, Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised, looking down toward Christ Child. Behind angel is woman, possibly midwife, wearing crown of leaves, kneeling next to, and looking toward, Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, holding crutch with right hand, looking toward the woman. Braying ass and ox are in background behind fence.
Scene in ruined building, in landscape with city in background.
Miniature enclosed in architectural frame decorated with sculptural ornament in cama³aeu including winged head or mask; two putti on top of frame holding garland; two putti on each side holding the garland; two putti in lower margin as atlantes.