Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Northern France or Flanders, ca. 1445
M.287 fol. 29r

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Scene, Liturgical: Celebration of Mass -- Priest, tonsured, wearing chasuble, raising both hands, stands before draped altar on which is chalice and patten, and open book on book rest. Behind altar is reredos on which is crucifix flanked by 14 figures (Christ: Crucifixion). The priest looks above the reredos, up toward nude Christ Child, crossed nimbus, held with both hands of Virgin Mary on her lap. She is seated on bench. Acolyte, tonsured, with joined hands raised, kneels in foreground looking up at the priest.
Miniature and text surrounded by gold frame on three sides. Margins decorated with border of rinceaux, foliate and floreate ornament.