Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1520
MS M.632 fol. 69r

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Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, holding reins in left hand, walks at head of ass on which Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, rides sideways, holding onto saddle with right hand and with left hand holds, on her lap, Christ Child, nimbed, holding her garment with His right hand. Beside ass, handmaiden, wearing headdress, carries basket, held by right hand, on her head. Behind ass are two angels and ox. On ground, under feet of ass, is broken pedestal and idol. In background are trees and city with church surmounted by crosses.
Miniature of grisaille and gold with painted accents, within Italianate architectural frame, decorated with two putti each holding end of foliate garland, foliate ornament, foliate capitals, putto climbing vine.