Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Germany, probably Nuremberg, between 1350 and 1400
MS M.140 fol. 10v

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Left column:
Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined (?) hands, kneels at foot of manger, looking at Christ Child, crossed nimbus, swaddled, reclining in the manger, looking back toward her. Ass and ox are at head of the manger, mouths open. All are below roof supported by one pointed arch and two trefoil arches; star is above the roof. At lower right, Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, is seat on bench, holding right hand to face. Trees and rocky outcrops are behind him.
Caption, NATIUITAS IH(ES)U XPI, is inscribed above scene.
Right column:
Joseph: as Interpreter of Dreams -- Butler, labelled PINC(ER)NA, reclines, head on pillow, under red stripped cover on draped bed. He looks up at grapevine growing beside the bed.
Caption, PINC(ER)NA PH(AR)AONIS UID(E)T UITE(M) H(ABE)NTEM T(R)ES P(RO)PAGINES, is inscribed above scene.