Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, early 16th century
MS M.174 fol. 45v

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Miniature:
Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hood, stands at head of bridled ass on which Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, sitting sideways, holds Christ Child, nimbed. Three angels (?) two with joined hands, walk behind the ass.
Scene in landscape with trees and buildings on hills in distance.
Margin, left:
Christ: Flight into Egypt, Miracle of Cornfield -- Two men confront each other before cornfield; group of soldiers stand at left, ten holding spears.
Margin, lower:
Innocents: Massacre -- Mother, seated holding nude infant by right arm and left leg, looks up toward soldier, raising saber with right arm and holding left arm of the infant with his left hand. Herod, wearing hat with crown, holding scepter with right hand, is seated on throne at right.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by two fantastic animals.