Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours
Italy, 1482
MS M.893 fol. 244v

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Christ: Nativity and Shepherds: Adoration -- Christ Child, cross-nimbed, nude, wearing beads or rosary around neck, lies amid rays in wattle manger. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling, with hands joined, looking toward manger, and by Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, hooded, supporting chin with left hand, seated on saddle (?) on ground. Kneeling behind manger is shepherd, eyes lowered, hands raised, staff held by left arm. At far left are ox, only head visible, and probably ass, only tail-end visible. Scene is in hilly landscape with trees and bushes.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament.