Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1500
MS M.156 fol. 146v

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Margin, left, top to bottom:
1) Christ: Circumcision -- Joseph the Carpenter and woman, possibly Prophetess Anna, nimbed, stand behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, holding nude Christ Child on draped altar. Mohel, nimbed, circumcises; male figure stands behind him.
2) Magi: Adoration -- Two of three Magi, holding covered cups with right hand, stand behind third Magus, wearing collar of vair, kneeling next to covered jar, and before Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated on throne, holding nude Christ Child on her lap.
3) Christ: Presentation -- High Priest Simeon, with draped hands, takes Christ Child from Virgin Mary. Behind her stand Joseph the Carpenter and Anna the Prophetess, wearing turban type of headdress, and holding basket containing doves.
4) Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, sits sideways on ass holding swaddled Christ Child, nimbed. Joseph the Carpenter, wearing hat, holding walking stick over left shoulder, stands at head of ass.
5) Christ: among Doctors -- Two of three doctors seated on benches hold open books. Joseph the Carpenter and Virgin Mary, veiled and wearing wimple, both with joined hands, stand behind youthful Christ, hands extended toward doctor, seated on bench.
6) Virgin Mary: Seamless Tunic -- Virgin Mary is seated at upright loom, reaching toward threads with right hand, raising beater (?) in left hand. Another figure, possibly youthful Christ stands behind her.
Margin, lower:
1) Christ: Baptism -- Christ, nimbed, nude, stands in water; John Baptist, nimbed, on shore, raises right hand over His head. Dove of Holy Ghost hovers above them.
2) Half figure of prophet wearing hat.
3) Half figure of sibyl wearing hat, raising right hand.
Architectural frame with columns, arches, vault.