Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1480
MS M.131 fol. 60v

See more information »

Miniature:
Christ: Flight into Egypt, Fall of Idols -- Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hood, holding crutch with left hand, and reins with right hand, leads draped ass on which Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, rides sideways. On her lap, she holds nude Christ Child, nimbed, raising His right hand. Three angels walk behind ass. In background idol, holding staff, falls from column.
Scene in landscape with rocky outcrops, bushes, with city and hills in distance.
Margin, left:
Moses: Departure from Egypt (?) -- Of three men, one hooded, two wearing hats, two hold staves. Of two women, one wearing turban type of headdress, rides camel; the other, veiled, holds swaddled infant. Child walks next to camel.
Scene in landscape with hill and trees, and gold rays descending from sky.
Margin, lower
Gideon: Fleece (?) -- Gideon (?), wearing armor, with sword hanging from strap across his shoulders, with joined hands raised, kneels looking upward. Helmet and fleece or sheep on ground before him.
Scene in landscape with trees and rocky outcrops, all beneath blue sky.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament inhabited by birds and dragon.