Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, perhaps Delft, 1415-1420
MS M.866 fol. 33v

See more information »

Christ: Nativity -- Maidservant, wearing headdress and apron, extends draped hands to Christ Child, crossed nimbus, partially draped, extending his arms toward her. He is looking back toward, and seated on lap of, Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, seated on bed holding Christ Child. Joseph the Carpenter, wearing soft hat, sits on stool next to bed, holding cloth or diaper to sheltered fire. In background, next to wattle fence, heads of ass and ox are visible over manger.
Scene in illusionistic open shed with hole in roof.
Margins decorated with rectilinear bars with vines.