Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Prayer book
Italy, Milan, ca. 1430
MS M.944 fol. 11v

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Christ: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, extends hands to Christ Child, crossed nimbus, wearing diaphanous gold garment, sitting in draped hands of Simeon, nimbed, standing next to draped altar. Behind them are woman wearing elaborated headdress, holding mallard and another bird with right hand, raising left hand to head; woman wearing veil; Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed and wearing hat, holding two doves with right hand; and probably Anna the Prophetess, nimbed and veiled, standing behind Simeon.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament. In upper margin, scene title PURIFICATIO UIRGINIS MARIE.
Beginning of prayer for feast of the Presentation, February 2.