Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
France, probably Troyes, ca. 1400
MS M.331 fol. 19r

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Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, is seated on mattress with pillows, and flanked by curtains on rods. She extends her arms to pick up swaddled Christ Child, crossed nimbus, in wattle manger. Ass and ox sit next to the manger. Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed and wearing hat, is seated resting head on crossed arms, in foreground next to the mattress.
Background of red, blue and gold diaper.
Margins decorated with border of foliate rinceaux, some sprouting from rectilinear bars enclosing text.
Beginning of introit for Mass on Christmas day.