Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1470
MS M.73 fol. 41r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneels at feet of nude Christ Child, reclining on cloth amid rays. Joseph the Carpenter, extending right hand, holding hat with left hand, kneels at His head. All before shed in which are ass, extending head toward Christ Child, and ox. In background, beyond wall is shepherd with joined hands, supporting pedum with left arm. (Shepherds: Adoration) Star is above the shed, with dovecote and hold in roof. Trees on mound and building are in background. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including winter cherry, and viola, and inhabited by two birds.