Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.167 fol. 56r

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Christ: Nativity -- Christ Child, cross-nimbed, in rayed mandorla, nude, lying on ground, is adored by Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, kneeling, with joined hands raised; Joseph the Carpenter, partly hooded, kneels with hands raised, and angel kneels with joined hands raised. Behind them stands shed (stable) decorated with patterned fabric tapestry, and ox and ass behind fence. Two shepherds look on from window of shed.
Scene in landscape setting with trees and castle, all within arched gold frame.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), nude man, holding club and shield, riding (mounted on) pig, fights centaur, wearing hat, holding bow and arrow.
In right margin, bird pierces breast with beak.
Margins decorated with foliate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, grapes, and strawberries.