Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1425-1430
MS M.453 fol. 79r

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Christ: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, veiled, with joined hands, kneeling, looks toward nude Christ Child, held by draped hands of Simeon above draped altar. At left are three women, wearing wimpled veils, kneeling, one possibly Anna the Prophetess holding basket containing three doves. At right, Joseph the Carpenter stands holding candle with both hands. Scene in vaulted room with leaded glass windows, tiled floor.
Margins, within circle of foliage (from top to bottom):
1) Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Joseph the Carpenter, holds reins of bridled donkey on which Virgin Mary, rays as nimbus, rides sideways, holding swaddled Christ Child. Maidservant, wearing wimpled veil, carrying basket containing doves, walks beside donkey.
2) Christ: Flight into Egypt, Miracle of Cornfield -- Man, wearing sling around his neck, right hand extended, stands in field sowing seed.
3) Christ: Flight into Egypt, Rest -- Joseph the Carpenter, wearing headgear, is seated on ground holding cloth with both hands, before fire. Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated on ground, holds Christ Child, rays as nimbus, on her lap.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament, including grapevines and columbine, and inhabited by birds.