Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1480-1500
MS M.179 fol. 81r

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Miniature:
Magi: Adoration -- Ox and ass, and Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, holding gold casket, stand behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated on bench (?) holding nude Christ Child, nimbed. Kneeling before them is eldest Magus, wearing fur lined mantle, with purse at waist. Behind him are servant holding crown, and other two Magi, crowned, each holding covered gold vessel, one wearing fur trimmed robe. In background, behind Magi is large group of figures.
Lower margin:
Of a large group of soldiers carrying spears, two look up toward Magi; one, wearing hat, indicates Magi. At right, man holding lance with right hand and reins in left hand, is astride cow with ring in its nose. Behind him is group of soldiers, holding lances, possibly mounted.
Between miniature and lower margin, putto holds text with right hand and indicates with left.