Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Cambrai, 1490-1500
MS M.116 fol. 48v

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child, lies in mandorla with rays. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands, kneeling, and by Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, raising right hand, leaning with left hand on walking stick, kneeling on one knee; ox and ass are beside Joseph. Figures in shed with thatched roof with holes in roof; rays travel from sky through hole in roof toward Christ Child. Outside of shed are ruins of building; in background is building, possibly church.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including viola, acanthus leaves, thistle, and strawberry, and inhabited by butterfly and bird.