Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1485-1490
MS M.231 fol. 81r

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Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, is seated, holding with right hand, nude Christ Child, rays as nimbus, on her lap. He reaches into open casket held by eldest Magus, kneeling before them. Crown is on ground next to him. Two other Magi, crowned, stand in background, indicating Christ Child with left hands. Each holds footed vessel in right hand, one with shape of horizontal cylinder, and the other as ship with mast. Above is bright star with rays.
Scene under edge of shed roof with hole in thatch; wall in background and landscape with trees in distance.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including thistle and inhabited by bird and by owl.