Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.52 fol. 32v

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Christ: Nativity -- Within stable located in city, below three angels, Virgin Mary, rays as nimbus, kneels with hands joined before Christ Child, nude, lying in rayed mandorla on ground beside row of four angels, all kneeling with hands joined. Joseph kneels with hands joined beside ox and ass, standing above manger.
Two shepherds, heads appearing in window on left, and three more shepherds, one kneeling on one knee and holding staff, flank Virgin Mary.
Scene framed by historiated border with following scene:
Virgin Mary: Journey to Bethlehem -- Followed by ox and ass, bridled, mantle draped across its back, Virgin Mary, nimbed, and Joseph the Carpenter stand before woman within doorway of inn, raising right hand, holding infant in left hand. Dog lies on ground in front of building. Figures appear in doorways and windows of other buildings.
IN VIGILIA inscribed in light ink above miniature.