Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, early 16th century
MS M.174 fol. 41v

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Miniature:
Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, is seated before cloth of honor, holding nude Christ Child, nimbed on her lap, His right hand raised in blessing, His left hand extended toward eldest Magus, kneeling, with joined hands. Crown is on ground next to him. Joseph the Carpenter stands behind Virgin Mary looking toward second Magus, looking toward Joseph, extending covered vessel with right hand, and raising hat with crown from his head with left hand. Also looking toward Joseph is third Magus, wearing hat with crown, holding covered vessel with left hand. Rays descend from top of frame.
Scene in building with lattice roof and with window.
Margin, left:
Magi: Journey -- In landscape, foremost of three Magi, crowned, indicates star above them in sky.
Margin, lower:
Magi: before Herod the Great -- Three magi, foremost holding pointed hat with crown, kneel (?) before Herod the Great, wearing hat with crown, extending right hand and holding scepter with left hand, standing in doorway (?).
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including rose and inhabited by bird and fantastic animal.