Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1480-1500
MS M.179 fol. 71r

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Miniature:
Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, and Joseph the Carpenter, with joined hands, kneel looking down toward nude Christ Child reclining amid rays on cloth. Next to Joseph is table on which is covered pitcher and half of loaf. Above them three angels hover, singing, holding scroll inscribed with music and GLORIA IN ALTISSIMUS DEO. Scene is in shed with holes in roof and low wall behind which stand two shepherds, wearing hats and holding staves (Shepherds: Adoration).
Vignettes:
1) Two angels hovering, holding musical scroll.
2) Ox and ass.
3) Virgin Mary: Journey to Bethlehem -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, sits sideways on ass. Joseph the Carpenter walks at head of ass; behind him is ox.
4) Virgin Mary: Journey to Bethlehem -- Ox, ass and Joseph the Carpenter, stand next to Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, before stable.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament.