Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
Germany, Augsburg, ca. 1235-1250
MS M.280 fol. 2r

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Jesse: Tree -- Jesse, nimbed, sleeps on mattress. Tree emerges from his loins, with curving branches enclosing the following scenes:
1) Christ: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, raises hands to receive Christ Child, cross-nimbed, held by Simeon, nimbed, with draped arms, over altar; figure in background behind Mary.
2) Christ: Baptism -- Christ, cross-nimbed, stands nude in river Jordan, flanked by angel, nimbed and with draped arms, and John Baptist, pointing upward with raised right hand.
3) Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Angel Gabriel, nimbed, stands before Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled; both raise right hand and grasp mantle in left hand.
4) Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, reclines on mattress; Christ Child, cross-nimbed, lays in manger in swaddling clothes; Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, sits, partially obscured by Mary; ox and ass in background.
Scenes on gold background in painted frame.