Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 429v

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1) Virgin Mary: Birth -- Anna, nimbed, veiled with wimple, seated on bed of the canopy type under covers and against pillow, with both hands supporting nimbed and swaddled infant Virgin Mary, also held in hands of veiled midwife, beside the bed. In background, another midwife entering room. To left, flaming fireplace. Scene in bedroom, with wooden ceiling and tiled floor, within initial D at beginning of None, Hours of the Virgin. 2) Christ: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, veiled with wimple, holding swaddled Christ Child, both nimbed, accompanied by veiled and wimpled woman, possibly Anna Prophetess, and man, wearing hat, possibly Joseph the Carpenter, all approaching draped altar behind which is standing mitered High Priest. Scene in temple room with five arched windows and tiled floor, within initial D at beginning of Vespers, Hours of the Virgin. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration.