Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1460
MS M.282 fol. 58r

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Shepherds: Annunciation -- Angel, in arc of heaven emanating rays, holding scroll inscribed PUER NATUS EST NOBIS ET FILIUS DATUS EST NOBIS (Isaiah 09:06), appears above two shepherds, includiong one standing and holding pedum, and the other kneeling on one knee, with bagpipe on his belt, turning to look up at the angel. Around them is flock of sheep, with dog, wearing spiked collar and, lays biting his foot in foreground. Scene in landscape with hills, trees, and distant walled city of Bethlehem.
Margins with floreate and scroll ornament, inhabited by fantastic man, possibly hybrid, with spear to neck of fantastic animal, possibly same figure as the man; and in lower margin, monkey, wearing hood, seated and playing horn.