Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1490-1500
MS M.7 fol. 21r

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Shepherds: Adoration -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, stands behind cylindrical basket upon which rests nude Christ Child, laying on cloth (?), either emanating rays or laying on straw. Behind Mary stands Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, wearing hood, and beside her stand three shepherds, two holding staves, two bending as though to kneel. To right are ox and ass. Scene in timbered building.
Vignette in lower margin:
Magi: seeking King of Jews -- King Herod the Great, crowned, seated astride horse, flanked by armored soldiers, meets three (?) Magi, wearing hats, one seated astride camel, with group of men behind them. In background are more armored soldiers.
Margins decorated with floreate ornament, with scroll inscribed OVANT PARLA SE TV AS RACHETE TOVT LE MONDE IHESVS DE NAZARET CRUCIFIE FILZ DE DIEV LE VIF ROY DES JVIS.