Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.1093 fol. 154r

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Virgin Mary and Christ Child: Type, Passion -- Christ Child, nude, nimbed, with hands extended, sits on lap of Virgin Mary, with scalloped nimbus, with right hand holding spear, rod with sponge, and cross, with three nails, titulus inscribed INRI, crown of thorns, and with two scourges hanging from the arms. Flanking the Virgin Mary and Christ Child are angels, one standing with joined hands, one holding column with both hands, and the third hovering in sky with joined hands raised. Scene in landscape with low, turf-topped wall, trees, and starry sky.
Margins with foliate ornament inhabited by bird; peacock; fantastic two-headed bird nibbling strawberries with both heads; and unicorn, possibly pursing man, wearing hat, with both hands raised, hiding amid trees. Baguette with foliate ornament at sides and bottom of miniature and textblock.