Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Angers, between 1465 and 1470
M.248 fol. 40v

See more information »

Christ: Nativity -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands looking down toward nude Christ Child reclining amid rays on straw. Joseph the Carpenter, orant, kneels on one knee next to Mary. Ox and ass are behind them. All are below roof of open shed supported by beam on each corner.
All framed by two columns supporting trefoil arch decorated with corbels and surmounted by fleur-de-lis.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by fantastic animal, nude male figure astride fantastic animal, and winged monkey (?) astride fantastic animal (Scene, Burlesque: Riding).