Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 57r

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Christ: Presentation -- Prophetess Anna (?), holding lighted candle in left hand and basket with two doves in right hand, stands behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, kneeling before draped altar with draped hands extended. Behind the altar stands Simeon of Jerusalem, wearing pointed hat, holding in draped hands nude Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, extending His arms toward the Virgin Mary. Beside Simeon stands acolyte, wearing cap, with left hand raised. Scene inside temple with groin vaults inscribed with stars and lancet and quatrefoil leaded-glass windows.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) Christ: Scene, Unidentified -- Christ with crossed nimbus, gesturing, is driven from building by two men, including one wearing hat and holding object in right hand, with which he prods the Christ. Gold background.
2) Christ: answering Pharisees (?) -- Christ, with crossed nimbus, gesturing, is flanked by four Pharisees, including three wearing pointed hats.
3) Christ: Miracle of healing Demoniac -- Two nimbed Apostles stand behind Christ, standing with right hand raised to demoniac, reclining on ground with hands crossed on his breast, with tiny horned devil emerging from his mouth.
4) Christ: Miracle of healing Demoniac -- Nimbed Apostle stands behind Christ, with crossed nimbus, gesturing toward two demoniacs, both fallen to floor, with tiny demons emerging from their mouths. Scene in room.