Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, 1525
MS M.61 fol. 26v

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Virgin Mary and Christ Child -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated on bench, lifts cloth above nude Christ Child lying in mandorla of rays, on draped altar-like bench before young John Baptist, nimbed, wearing mantle of skins, with joined hands raised and with the Virgin's left hand on his left shoulder.
In foreground, scroll inscribed POST ME VENIS ET ANTE FACTUS ES based on John 1:15 (suggesting John Baptist: bearing Witness).
In background, figures walk along path and over bridge leading toward building. Other figures, standing, and horsemen appear in landscape with mountains behind.
Frame:
Miniature within elaborate architectural frame inhabited by putti, some holding swags of floral ornament. At base, two putti hold scroll inscribed with incipit of the Prayer to the Virgin, Obsecro te.