Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1550 and 1558
M.538 fol. 37v

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Magi: Adoration -- Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, stands behind Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, holding nude Christ Child, rays as nimbus, on her lap. He extends left hand to cup held in left hand of eldest Magus, wearing scimitar on strap over right shoulder, kneeling on one knee before Mary and Christ Child. Right hand of the Magus rests on cup lid on ground. The other Magi, one black, wearing crown and armor, the other wearing headgear with crown, right hand on lid of cup held with left hand.
Scene before partially ruined building with hole in roof.
Miniature within frame decorated with winged head or mask flanked by two halberds, and surmounting escutcheon decorated with heraldry of Claude Gouffier (or, three bars gemels sable), surmounted by crown, and surrounded by collar of the order of the Archangel Michael with pendant of Michael transfixing dragon on which he stands (Angel, Archangel Michael: transfixing Dragon); behind the escutcheon, plaque inscribed HIC TERMINVS HAERET; foliate ornament; garlands; two bunches of fruit and vegetables including squash and grapes. At bottom, plaque with monogram of Claude Gouffier, Phi Chi and two swords with straps and sheaths, blue with gold fleur-de-lis decoration.