Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours
France, perhaps Metz, 1370-1380
MS M.88 fol. 151r

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Virgin Mary and Christ Child: Type, Suckling -- Virgin Mary, veiled, within rayed mandorla edged with 12 stars, suckles Christ Child, crossed nimbus, nude, in left arm. Head of personification of moon at Virgin's feet, suggesting possibly Woman clothed with Sun. Female donor, veiled, kneels in prayer before the Virgin and Child.
Against background between Virgin Mary and female donor, prayer written in gold, "GLORIEUSE VIERGE PUCELLE QUI DE LA TRES DOUCE MEMELLE E LATAS TOT TRES CHIERE ENFANS FAIT MA CONCIENCE SI BELLE QUE LA MOE ARME NE CHANCELLES IOUR DE MON TRESPACEMENT."
Scene against red background with gold decoration inside frame decorated with abstract ornament.
Figure in initial D:
Head of king, crowned.
Lower margin (bas-de-page):
Lion, chained to column, faces dog.
Upper margin:
Dragon forms part of foliate extension.
Right margin:
Bird perches on foliate extension.