Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Hours of Henry VIII
France, Tours, ca. 1500
MS H.8 fol. 51v

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Christ: Nativity -- Within stable, Joseph the Carpenter, with crutch, hands joined, and Virgin Mary, veiled, hands raised, both nimbed and kneeling, adore Christ Child, rayed cross as nimbus, nude, lying in wattled manger. Beside manger is saddle. Ox looks on. Ass, partially visible, is behind Virgin Mary.
Three shepherds, including one with staff, look on from behind wattled fence enclosing stable (Adoration of Shepherds).
Miniature within illusionistic frame.