Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Tours, ca. 1465
MS M.161 fol. 48v

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Christ: Nativity -- Joseph the Carpenter, hooded, holding vessel (?) in right hand, stands behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised before canopied bed, upon which is open book with pseudo-inscription and nude Christ Child, emanating rays, laying on cloth. Scene in shed with holes in roof, wattle fence, and ox and ass eating from manger.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament inhabited by fantastic animal, turning head to look backwards; and wild man, holding vinescroll.