Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1480
MS M.136 fol. 81v

See more information »

Christ: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with draped hands before draped altar. Behind the altar stands Simeon of Jerusalem, wearing high priest's vestments, supporting with draped hands, nude Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, walking on the altar toward the Virgin Mary. In background stand woman, holding basket with dove, possibly Prophetess Anna, and Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, holding raised rod in left hand. Scene in room with brocade cloth hangings and arched leaded-glass windows. Miniature framed by columns and arch with pendant.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament, inhabited by two angel musicians, one playing harp and the other playing horn.