Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Tours, ca. 1490
MS M.380 fol. 52v

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Christ: Nativity -- Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, holding lantern in both hands, stands behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, hands joined, kneeling within stable before Christ Child, cross-nimbed, nude, lying in wattle manger on napkin amid rays of light. Heads of ox and ass appear behind manger.
Buildings of city visible through hole in stable wall.
Miniature and text framed by foliate border decorated with flowers, including roses.
Initial D decorated with foliate ornament begins Prime of the Hours of the Virgin.