Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, perhaps in Mons, ca. 1450-1460
MS M.104 fol. 62r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised to nude infant Christ Child, with crossed nimbus, with right hand raised in blessing, laying on straw on ground. To right are midwife, veiled, touching with right hand left shoulder of the Christ Child; young girl (?), possibly Anastasia, extending right hand toward the Christ Child; and Joseph the Carpenter, hooded, holding lantern in right hand. Scene in shed with stone wall and thatch roof. Sky with stars.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, floreate, and vinescroll ornament. Baguettes with floreate patterns in left, lower, and right margins. In lozenge in right margin is bird with extended wings and head turned over left shoulder. In lower margin are two birds with wings extended, one with head turned over left shoulder.