Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1470
MS M.28 fol. 50r

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Christ: Nativity -- Nude Christ Child, nimbed, emanating rays, lays on straw and is flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised, and Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, kneeling, holding roll in right hand and staff in left hand. In background is bed, pitcher in footed basin, and shed with ox and ass.
Amid foliate ornament in margins are pig, wearing mantle; hybrid animal with bat wings; man, kneeling on one knee and holding scroll with pseudo-inscription; man, wearing hat, sitting and holding rod in both hands; angel, playing viol; and woman, kneeling, playing portative organ.