Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
England, Oxford, between 1212 and 1220
MS M.43 fol. 19v

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1) Shepherds: Annunciation -- Nimbed angel, with scroll in left hand and right forefinger raised, approaches two standing shepherds. One, bearded, in sleeveless tunic, holds tau-staff in left hand and raises right hand above his head, shielding his eyes. The other, hooded, raises right hand and holds pan-pipes in left hand. In foreground of grassy hillock, two horned sheep, goat nibbling tree, and pet dog standing on hind legs.
2) Magi: before Herod the Great -- Three crowned magi, standing, bear gold gifts. The eldest raises right forefinger before crowned Herod the Great. With right hand on right knee and with left hand tugging cord of ermine-lined mantle, he sits on throne. Scene in architectural setting of triple arcade.
Scenes within decorated frames.