Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1500-1510
MS M.160 fol. 19v

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Christ: Nativity -- Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, with hands crossed on his breast, kneels behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised before nude Christ Child, nimbed, laying on her mantle. In background is shed with hole in the roof, ox and ass behind low wattle fence, and two men behind higher wattle fence. Beyond the fence are distant hills.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament against black background, inhabited by two fantastic animals.