Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 6v

See more information »

Upper margin:
Beaneath arch are group of nude youths, as half-figures, representing Holy Innocents, including four with joined hands raised. Feast celebrated December 28.
Left margin:
1) Nicholas of Myra: Scene, Three Youths rescued from Barrel -- In upper vignette, at left, Nicholas of Myra, nimbed, wearing miter and bishop's vestments, holds crozier in left hand and raises right hand in blessing, in front of barrel, in which is nude youth,with joined hands raised. At right, Apostle Thomas, nimbed, holds spear in left hand and indicates Nicholas with right hand. Figures in room with tile floor. Feast of Nicholas of Myra celebrated December 6; feast of Apostle Thomas celebrated December 21.
2) Joachim and Anna: at Golden Gate -- In center vignette, Joachim, nimbed, and Anna, nimbed and veiled, embrace before Golden Gate. Feast of Conception of Virgin celebrated December 8.
3) Christ: Nativity -- In lower vignette, nude Christ Child, surrounded by rays, lying on cloth (?) on ground, is flanked by Virgin Mary and Joseph the Carpenter, both nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised. Ox and Ass in backround. Scene takes place in front of shed. Feast of the Nativity celebrated December 25.
Right margin:
1) In upper portion of column of architectural frame, Evangelist John, nimbed, raises right hand in blessing over goblet, out of which serpent emerges. Feast celebrated December 27.
2) In lower portion of column of architectural frame, Stephen Protomartyr, nimbed, tonsured, wearing deacon's vestments, bleeding from wound on head, holds palm in left hand and stone in right hand. Feast celebrated December 26.
Lower margin:
1) Month, Occupation: December -- Male baker, wearing cap, extends loaf on peel (paddle) into oven. Loaves in background.
2) Zodiac Sign: Capricorn -- Fantastic goat in landscape setting.
Miniatures within architectural frame.