Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, probably Milan, ca. 1470
MS M.454 fol. 195r

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Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, is seated on cushion, holding Christ Child, nimbed, on her lap. He looks back at her and extends left hand toward eldest Magus, wearing crown with hat, right hand on head, holding vessel with left hand, kneeling before them. Of the other two Magi holding similar vessels, one wears crown with hat and has darker skin on face; the other is crowned. Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, stands behind Virgin Mary. In background is wattle shed.
Profile of head of man wearing olive wreath in initial D.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by deer looking up at sun, with scroll, around its right front leg, inscribed BI DER GRAPH; dove perching on circular branch inscribed VRAI AMOR NON SE CANG; and muzzled dog, seated, flanked by two trees.