Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Tours, ca. 1490-1500
MS M.1054 fol. 55r

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Christ: Presentation -- Beneath canopy, Simeon, nimbed, wearing miter and cope with pseudo-inscription, holding with draped hands nude Christ Child, crossed nimbus. Simeon stands behind altar draped with cloth inscribed with crosses. Christ Child looks toward Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands, standing on other side of the altar. Joseph the Carpenter, with basket containing two doves before him, is at end of the altar, next to Anna the Prophetess, probably holding candle. Behind them is crowd of men, three holding candles.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including viola and strawberry, and inhabited by fantastic animal and fantastic bird.