Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 43r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, kneels with joined hands raised to nude infant Christ Child, with rays as nimbus, emanating rays, laying in manger, beneath sheds with thatched roofs with holes. To right kneels Joseph the Carpenter, with joined hands raised. In background are bed, wattle fences, ox, ass, and man, possibly shepherd, holding staff, with joined hands raised. Above in arc of heaven are three angels and scroll inscribed GLORIA EN EXCELCIS DEO.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with heart-shaped vignette and three medallions in corners:
1) Christ: among Doctors -- Christ, nimbed, as youth, holding book in His lap, sits surrounded by three doctors, two wearing pointed caps. In background is cloth hanging and arched windows.
2) Christ: sought by Parents -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, and Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, with purse at waist, holding staff in right hand, stand in landscape, gesturing, flanked by woman and man. Background with trees and sky with stars.
3) Christ: sought by Parents -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, and Joseph the Carpenter, holding staff in left hand, both gesturing, stand outside building or city gate in which stands man, wearing hat.
4) Christ: among Doctors -- Christ, nimbed, as youth, sits on raised dais and gestures to three doctors, all wearing hats, seated around him. Diapered background.