Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.1170. Fol. 013v

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Virgin Mary and Christ Child -- Virgin Mary, crowned, seated on stepped throne, with left hand holding round object, possibly fruit, and with right hand supporting on her lap nude Christ Child, rays as nimbus, His left hand grasping a strand of her hair. They are flanked by two pairs of angels, the foremost two reading from books with pseudo-musical notations (one visible), standing behind low wall.
Miniature at beginning of Prayer to the Virgin.
Margins inhabited by five birds, possibly goldfinches, amid oak branches bearing acorns; against blue background.