Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps in Bourges, ca. 1460
M.430 fol. 75r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised, before nude Christ Child, emitting rays, reclining on cloth on ground. At right is Joseph the Carpenter, kneeling, holding candle in left hand and raising right hand. Beside him on ground is pedum.
The figures are beneath roof of shed, through hole in which appears star, from which rays descend toward Christ Child. The star is flanked by angles, with joined hands raised.
In background are ox and ass (only heads visible), eating hay. Scene is surounded by wattle fence, behind which is landscape setting.
Scene within frame, at bottom of which is inscription AD PRIMAM.