Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Spain, perhaps Burgos or Segovia, 1465-1480
MS M.854 fol. 90v

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Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, wearing beaded fillet, sits and holds in her lap Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, partially draped, with left arm extended to kneeling magus. Behind the magus are covered jar on small table, crown on ground, and the other two magi, both crowned and holding covered jars, one black. In background is shed and landscape wtih road, trees, and distant mountains. Above is star.
Miniature enclosed in frame inscribed ESTELA FULGENS HODIE CONDUXIT AD PRESEPE MAGOS AB ORIENTE QUI INUENTO PUERO [RE]REDUNT GRATES DOMINO ESTELA FULGENS HODIE CONDUXIT AD PRESEPE (sic).
Amid foliate ornament in margins are groom, holding in right hand reins of saddled horse; half figure of man emerging from flower; two men, one wearing hat, engaged in combat with swords; man, kneeling with joined hands raised; two saddled horses rearing on their hind legs and confronting each other; and man, with rod raised in right hand and with leash of large dog wrapped around his left hand; beside him is a bird.
Miniature and ornament executed in grisaille and gold tones with color accents.