Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
France, probably Paris, ca. 1270s
MS M.101 fol. 15r

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Center, ovals enclosing:
1) Christ: Circumcision -- Joseph the Carpenter supports above altar nude Christ Child, cross-nimbed, being circumcised with knife by beardless Mohel, beneath arches.
2) Magi: Adoration -- Two crowned of three Magi stand and hold gifts in jars; one raises right hand, indicating star (not represented).
The eldest kneels, raising vessel of gold coins toward extended right hand of Christ, unnimbed, seated on left leg of Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, holding object in right hand and supporting Him with left hand, seated on bench.
Proscenium arch below.
3) Magi: Journey -- Three crowned Magi ride on horses, on proscenium arch. Arches above.
4) Magi: before Herod the Great -- Herod the Great, crowned, sits with legs crossed on bench, holding sword in left hand and raising right hand toward three crowned Magi standing, the foremost gesturing.
Proscenium arch below and arches above.
Scenes with gold backgrounds.
Frame, medallions enclosing:
Four figures of prophets, evangelists, or apostles holding scrolls and gesturing, all seated on benches beneath trefoil arches. Diapered backgrounds.
Full-page background decorated with diapered spandrels, and with center quatrefoil and four lateral half-trefoils enclosing foliage with beast heads and dragons on gold grounds, all within decorated frame.