Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1460
M.387 fol. 245v

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Christ: Nativity -- Joseph the Carpenter, orant, wearing purse at waist, is behind Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands both kneeling next to wattle manger. Christ Child, crossed nimbus, body partially draped, reclines in the manger amid rays. Ox and ass, lifting head, braying, flank the manger. In background are partially ruined building and fence. Beyond the fence two of three shepherds, one removing hat, the other holding pedum, look toward Christ Child. (Shepherds: Adoration) The third shepherd, wearing hat, looks up toward angel holding scroll with pseudo-inscription. (Shepherds: Annunciation) Above, in arc of Heaven, are half-figures of angel and God, crossed nimbus, raising right hand and holding tripartite globe in left hand. Dove descends amid rays from God, toward Christ Child.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament. Three scrolls inscribed ECCE ENIM ELUA(N)GELIZO UOBIS GAUDIUM MAGNUM (Luke 2:10); TRANSEAMUS USQ(UE) BETHLEEM ET UIDEAMUS HOC UERBUM (Luke 2:15); ECCE GLORIA ISR(AE)L INGREDIENTUR PER PORTAM ORIENTALEM ET TERRA SPLENDEBIT A MAIESTATE E(IUS) (Ezekiel 43:2, variant).