Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Tournai, 1450-1460
MS M.78 fol. 75v

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Magi: Adoration -- Beneath rays issuing from Star of Bethlehem, and in shed with thatched roof with holes, Virgin Mary, scalloped nimbus, wearing fillet, is seated on draped mattress as large pillow, head on another pillow. She holds with right hand on her lap nude Christ Child, cross-nimbed, raising right hand in blessing and extending left hand to vessel in extended hands of eldest Magus, kneeling before them, beside crown over ermine-lined hat in foreground. The other two Magi, one wearing crown over ermine-trimmed hat, raising right hand, holding spherical vessel with left hand, looks toward youngest Magus, wearing crown over turban-like headgear, with right hand raised and with left hand holding goblet-like vessel in draped left hand; all Magi wearing decorated garments. Scene in hilly landscape with trees and crenallated castle buildings in distance. Margins decorated with foliate and floreate ornament. Miniature at beginning of Hours of the Virgin at Sext.