Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1494
MS M.1078 fol. 19r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, with rays as nimbus, and Joseph the Carpenter, kneel with joined hands flanking nude infant Christ Child, emanating rays, laying on ground on Mary's mantle. In background is stone building with ox and ass in arched window. Scene in initial G.
Margins with scattered flowers, including daisies and roses, inhabited by bird and fly. Two vignettes:
Shepherds: Annunciation -- Angel, emanating rays, appears in sky above two shepherds, including one hooded, seated, and the other wearing hat, holding staff in left hand and with right hand to his hat. Scene in landscape with flock of sheep and hills.
Magi: Adoration -- Black magus, crowned, with saber at waist, holding vessel in right hand, and magus, holding vessel, stand behind third magus, kneeling with joined hands before nude infant Christ Child, with crown-like nimbus, raising right hand, seated on lap of Virgin Mary, with rays as nimbus, seated on bench before cloth of honor.