Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 61r

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Shepherds: Annunciation -- Two shepherds, including one kneeling with pedum, gesture up toward angel, emanating rays, holding scroll inscribed GL[OR]IA IN ALTISSIMI[S] DEO. Scene in landscape with flock of sheep, dog, shed, wattle fence, and distant city of Bethlehem.
Floreate margins with bird, dragon (emblem of Henry VII ?), and four vignettes (clockwise from top right):
1) Shepherd, with pedum, kneeling on one knee amid flock of sheep.
2) Shepherdess, wearing kerchief, holding distaff and spindle, seated on ground amid flock of sheep.
3) and 4) Shepherds: Adoration -- Shepherd, with pedum, holding lamb (?), kneeling on one knee facing Holy Family in vignette to left. Virgin Mary nimbed, sits and holds in her lap nude infant Christ Child, with rays as nimbus, holding object. Beside Mary sits Joseph the Carpenter, with crutch in right hand and gesturing with left hand.