Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
France, Tours, ca. 1500
M.495 fol. 132v

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Virgin Mary: Birth -- Anna, nimbed and veiled, is seated on draped mattress, extending hands toward infant Virgin Mary, nimbed and draped, held by both hands of midwife wearing headdress. Of three other women, two wearing headdresses stand next to large fireplace in which is smoky fire. One lifts left hand to head, the other, holding cloth in right hand stands next to pot stand (?). The third woman stands at doorway holding pitcher with right hand and basin with left hand.
Border around two sides of the miniature of gold foliate ornament decorated with strings of beads, and head or mask, all on blue ground.
Columbine enclosed in initial G.