Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, Paris, 1285-1297
MS M.1042 fol. 65v

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Psalm 098 (Vulg., 097).
In upper half of initial C:
1) Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, veiled, reclines with right hand supporting her head on pillow and draped mattress, before ass and ox (only heads visible) behind Christ Child, cross-nimbed, swaddled, with His head turned toward the Virgin, lying in architectural crib from which three lamps are suspended. Joseph the Carpenter, hooded, holds staff and sits on bench at foot of the bed.
In lower half of initial C:
2) Shepherds: Annunciation -- Nimbed angel, with scroll inscribed ET IN TERR[A] from Luke 2:14, descends from cloud toward two shepherds wearing hooded garments; one stands with pedum in right hand and left hand raised, and looks up at the angel, and the other, holding bagpipe in left hand and raising right hand, sits on ground. They are accompanied by three sheep, two reclining, and dog seated next to one of two trees.
To right, David, crowned, kneels with joined hands raised, looking up at the angel.
Scenes, against gold punched diapered background, mainly within initial C.
In left margin above and below the initial C, foliate extensions with terminals of wingless angel (?) holding scroll inscribed GLORIA IN EX[CELSIS] from Luke 2:14, and below hybrid cleric wearing vestments, holding open book in left hand, raising right forefinger, and looking toward the shepherds.