Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1460
MS M.282 fol. 17r

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Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, sits at lectern upon which is open book with pseudo-inscription. He holds pen in right hand and writes upon scroll held in his lap inscribed [CUM] NATUS [ESSET IHESUS IN BETHLEM] (NT, Matthew 02:01). Before him is angel (Evangelist symbol), kneeling on one and holding stylus case and inkpot. Scene in room with tile floor, brocade wall hangings, leaded-glass windows, and wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling. Rays emanate from left side.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux ornament, inhabited in right margin by beaked male fantastic animal, wearing pointed hat, carrying two buckets on ends of rod on his shoulder and urinating; and in lower margin by hooded man, holding raised ax or spade in both hands above fantastic snail, sticking out its tongue.