Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, probably Paris, ca. 1490
MS M.1080 fol. 56r

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child reclines amid rays on edge of mantle of Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands extended, kneeling. Rays descend from above toward the Christ Child. Joseph the Carpenter, holding hat with right hand and staff with left hand kneels on one knee behind Virgin Mary. Ass and ox are at left.
Scene before shed with holes in roof, and ruined wall.
Lower margin decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament and inhabited by three angels, one playing lute, one kneeling with joined hands and looking up, and the third playing portative organ. Miniature flanked by two columns, one surmounted by head or mask; the other surmounted by half figure of angel, arms crossed on breast.