Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1425-1430
MS M.453 fol. 20r

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Virgin Mary, rays as nimbus, veiled and crowned, is seated on canopied throne, holding nude Christ Child reclining on her lap. They are flanked by three angels and one woman, two angels holding His head, the third extending right hand to His left hand, while reaching left hand into basket held by woman. Above, bust of God, rays as nimbus, right hand in gesture of blessing, appears amid heads of angels in arc of heaven, emitting rays. Scene in landscape with three trees and starry sky.
Margins, within circle of foliage (from top to bottom):
1) Kneeling angel playing harp.
2) Kneeling angel blowing straight trumpet.
3) Crouching angel playing positive organ; second angel behind organ pipes.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including iris, pink, columbine and strawberry.