Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 35v

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Upper vignette:
Magi: Adoration -- Eldest Magus kneels and extends right hand toward nude Christ Child, rays as nimbus, draped with transparent cloth, in lap of Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated beside vessel. Behind them stand two Magi, wearing crowns, one holding vessel and one raising right forefinger and looking toward star of Bethleham in sky. Scene in front of shed, within architectural frame.
Lower vignette:
David: receiving Abner -- Man stands behind Abner, kneeling on one knee and extending letter in right hand toward David, crowned, seated in throne, holding scepter in right hand and the letter in left hand. Scene in room with window, within architectural frame.
Caption between vignette reads, PAR ABNER QUI PAISIBLEMENT A DAVID PARLA FAULT ENTENDRE LES TROYS ROYS QUI ASSEMBLEEME(N)T FURENT A J(ESU)S HO(N)NEUR RENDRE.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including cornflowers, and roses, inhabited by hybrid man, wearing hood. In left margin is scroll with pseudo-inscription.
Flower within decorated initial C.