Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Lectionary
Italy, Padua, 1436
MS M.180 fol. 78v

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Virgin Mary: Birth -- In foreground, woman bends over, grasping cloths in basin; pitcher and wooden basin are on floor. Next to her, midwife, veiled, sits on floor, legs extended swaddling infant Virgin Mary, nimbed, reclining on midwife's legs. Dog is at right. Anna, nimbed, wearing hat and wimple, reclines on draped bed. Cat sits on three-legged stool next to the bed. In background, cloth hangs on pole over window. Woman holds cloths before fire in hooded fireplace. Cloths hang on pole spanning room at back. Chair and benches are in background.
Beginning of Gospel reading for feast of the birth of Virgin Mary, September 8.