Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1520
MS M.307 fol. 46v

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child, raising right hand, reclines on gold cloth (?) amid rays. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, rays as nimbus, with joined hands, and by Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, orant, both kneeling. Two angels hover above. Ox and ass are in background; two shepherds, one wearing hood, one holding pedum, look in over wall.
Scene in ruined building with arcade, columns, and picket fence.
Margins decorated with border of flowers and plants including viola, strawberry, red currants, and inhabited by fly, birds, butterfly, and caterpiller.