Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1485-1490
MS M.231 fol. 90r

See more information »

Christ: Flight into Egypt, Fall of Idols -- Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, holding rein in raised left hand, walks at head of ass on which Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled sits sideways, holding Christ Child, rays as nimbus, on her lap. Maidservant, holding basket on her head with her right hand, walks at right hindquarter of ass. Idol falls from pedestal on hill in background.
Scene in landscape with trees and city in background.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including grapevine and inhabited by butterfly and flying mallard.