Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Avignon, approximately 1485-1490
MS M.348 fol. 79r

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child, rays as cross nimbus, reclines on cloth, His head resting on bundle of hay (?), and looks toward Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands, looking toward Him. Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, wearing hat, hands crossed on breast, holding crutch with right hand kneels beside her looking at Christ Child. At left, behind manger are ox and ass.
Scene in ruined building with landscape. In background two men walking on road.
Miniature in architectural frame, flanked by two columns with foliate capitals; at base of each column, putto, nimbed, supports with one hand, plaque inscribed DEVS IN ADIVTORIVM MEVM INTENDE.