Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, between 1490 and 1499
MS M.14 fol. 61r

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Magi: Adoration -- Historiated initial D enclosing three magi, two standing, wearing crowns, one black magus holding vessel in left hand, and the third magus kneeling beside his crown, with left hand extended to nude Christ Child, nimbed, right hand raised, seated on lap of Virgin Mary, nimbed. Behind Mary stands Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, holding staff with both hands. Above is star, emitting rays toward the Christ Child. In background is shed and distant landscape.
In margins is floreate ornament and at top two cherubs holding medallion with arms of the Pitti-Taddei de'Gaddi family (azure, a cross bottonn³be and bendy nebuly of six argent and sable).