Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1500
MS G.5 fol. 19r

See more information »

Christ: Nativity -- Within initial D, Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, looks down at nude Christ Child reclining amid rays. Joseph the Carpenter is next to her holding candle with left hand, shielding flame with right hand. Heads of ass and ox are visible at his left side.
Scene under thatched roof of shed with partial walls in background.
Margins decorated with floreate ornament including strawberry, columbine, dianthus, viola, and thistle, and inhabited by two butterflies.