Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1515
MS M.399 fol.162v

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Magi: Adoration -- Ray of light from star, appearing in hole of stable roof, falls on eldest magus, kneeling with hands joined before Christ Child, nimbed, nude, held by Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled. Youngest magus, black, standing, and middle-aged magus, kneeling, hold gold vessels. Behind magi, to left, two men (shepherds?) look on. Behind Virgin Mary, Joseph the Carpenter appears in archway of building.
Landscape visible in background.
Scene framed by border decorated by pearl-studded diamond pattern. Within panels of diamonds are jewelled pendents. In left border, panel contains image of Veronica of Rome, nimbed, holding sudarium. In lower border, central panel contains image of Lamb of God, nimbed, holding bannered cross-staff with front leg.