Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1425-1430
MS M.453 fol. 74v

See more information »

Magi: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, is seated, holding nude Christ Child kneeling on her lap. He extends hands to oldest Magus, kneeling on one knee before Him, his head bowed. Covered jar on ground before him. The other two Magi, crowned, each holding covered cup, one with draped hands, look toward another man, kneeling before them. Joseph the Carpenter is next to Virgin Mary, leaning on crutch with right hand, possibly lifting hat from head with left hand. Scene is in roofed shed with hole in roof; birds, possibly doves, in rafters and one flying above shed.
Margins, within circle of foliage (from to):
1) Magi: Journey -- Magus, crowned, astride bridled horse, raising left hand and holding reins with right hand is accompanied by two men, one wearing headgear, both possibly on horseback.
2) Magi: Journey -- Magus, crowned, astride bridled horse, raising right hand and holding reins with left hand is accompanied by two men, one wearing headgear, both possibly on horseback.
3) Magi: Scene, meeting -- Of three Magi, crowned, astride horses, two extend hand to each other. Two men, one wearing headgear, possibly on horseback accompany them.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including columbine and rose.