Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, between 1490 and 1499
MS M.14 fol. 47r

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Christ: Nativity -- Historiated initial D enclosing Joseph, nimbed, holding staff, crouching on ground, and Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised, flanking nude Christ Child, emanating rays, laying on Mary's mantle on ground. In background is shed with ox and ass, and distant landscape. Above is star emitting rays to the Christ Child.
In margins is foliate ornament; at top two cherubs flank lozenge inscribed YHS.