Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
England, ca. 1440-1450
MS G.9 fol. 35r

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Christ: Nativity -- Within stable, beneath rays from star above roof, Christ Child, with rayed, crossed nimbus, nude, lying in rayed mandorla (?), is flanked by ox and ass (foreparts only visible) and by Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with hands joined, looking toward Christ Child, midwife, and Joseph the Carpenter, raising right hand and holding walking stick in left hand. Two shepherds look through window in background (Shepherds: Adoration).
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, inhabited by lions sticking out tongues, monkey (?), head of man, pheasant, hybrid man, moth, and griffin.