Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470-1480
MS M.172 fol. 52r

See more information »

Christ: Nativity -- Beneath thatched roof of stable, nude Christ Child, nimbed, reclines in manger amid rays, raising right hand. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneeling and looking toward Him, and by Joseph the Carpenter, kneeling on one knee, holding object with right hand and hat with left hand. Between them kneel two angels with joined hands. Behind Virgin Mary is bed with cushion inscribed with son. Outside wattle fence, under thatched shelter are ass and ox, and two shepherds, each holding staff in right hand. In foreground is three legged stool. In background, man, holding staff with left hand, walks behind ass in field. Rays descend form top of frame.
Scene with landscape of trees and hills.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including dianthus and thistle, and inhabited by bird and fantastic animal with human heads on abdomen and hindquarters, and long reptilian neck with animal head.