Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1460
MS M.972 fol. 97v

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Miniature:
Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, wearing gold necklace is seated on throne, her right hand holding goblet toward which Christ Child, crossed nimbus, extends His hands. He is supported by her left hand. Eldest Magus kneels before them, holding foot of the goblet with his right hand. Crown with hat is on ground beside him. Virgin Mary is flanked by the other two Magi, one wearing turban surmounted by crown and holding covered goblet; the third Magus removes cover with right hand from goblet held with left hand. Hat with crown is on ground beside him. All are below thatch canopy on wooden supports.
Scene is superimposed on landscape with figures in field, buildings, and trees in background.
Vignette:
Christ: bearing Cross -- Christ, crossed nimbus, wearing crown of thorns, carries cross on right shoulder. Behind Him walk Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, possibly touching cross arm with draped hands. Evangelist John, nimbed is beside her. At right, group of soldiers, most only helmet visible, walk before Christ, one holding end of rope around waist of Christ.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including strawberry, and inhabited by hybrid woman.