Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, perhaps Bruges, ca. 1450
MS M.168 fol. 11r

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child, cross nimbus, reclines on ground amid rays. At His head, Joseph the Carpenter, kneels on right knee, supporting himself with crutch held in right hand, and holding candle in left hand. At His side, Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands kneels at His side. Behind them, ox and ass eat from manger, next to bed. Above, in arc of Heaven, is head of God, wearing imperial (?) crown, amid rays, one of which descends toward Christ Child. Dove of Holy Ghost hovers amid rays above Christ Child.
Scene in shed, open at front with thatch roof and wattle walls.