Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1480
MS M.136 fol. 70v

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing belt with hanging cross, kneels with joined hands raised before nude Christ Child, emanating rays, laying on cloth on ground. Beside the Christ Child, Joseph the Carpenter, holding lighted candle, kneels on one knee. In background are ox and ass laying within thatched-roof shed, and behind low stone wall stand two shepherds, one hooded, both holding staves. Above is star, emanating rays toward the Christ Child. In distant background are trees and city.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament, inhabited by bird with wings extended; and archer, wearing hat, aiming bow and arrow toward the bird.