Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1440-1449
MS M.202 fol. 52r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, with hands crossed on her breast, kneels before nude Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, emanating rays, laying in manger. Beside the manger are ox and ass, and Joseph the Carpenter, holding crutch in left hand. Cloth hanging in background beneath roof of shed. Above is sun or star emanating rays.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, vinescroll, and floreate ornament, with foliate baguettes framing miniature and textblock. Top left margin inhabited by man, wearing cap and horn on strap across his breast, climbing vinescroll toward moth. Top right margin inhabited by two peacocks (?), flanking and drinking from urn or fountain. Lower left margin inhabited by angel, nimbed, extending arms toward dog (?). Lower right margin inhabited by snail (?).