Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1420
MS M.1000 fol. 17r

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Within room, Evangelist Matthew, decorated nimbus, is seated in chair, before scroll placed on raised lapdesk on round table next to opened window. On scroll, he has written DIEBUS HERODIS REGIS ECCE MAGI AB ORIENTE VENERUNT (Matthew 02:01), with stylus, held in right hand, resting on last letter. Three books, each with two straps, lie about the room. One book rests against side of chair. A second book lies on table. A third book is against wall opposite table. In arched window opposite Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, angel, as evangelist symbol, holds scroll inscribed S. MATEUM. Above, nimbed head of God, bearded, appears in arc of heaven from which rays of light emanate.
Miniature and text framed by decorative border of foliate design.