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IM-10431:  (140x93mm) Original manuscript leaf from an unusual richly illuminated Prayer-book in the style of a Biblia Pauperum.  Written in German and Latin on animal vellum.    Southern Germany, c. 1600

The full-page miniature painting depicts The Nativity.   Joseph stands behind Mary who gazes upwards as she presents the Christ Child to God the Father who points on his left to the snake wrapped around the earth with an apple beneath his head (representing original sin); on His right is a  cross (representing future redemption) .  The triangle above God the Father's head represents the Holy Trinity.  The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove is in the top center emanating rays to encompass the cross.  Numerous angels inhabit the heavens. Three shepherds and their sheep are seen arriving on the right; a cow and donkey are shown gazing in wonder at the Christ child.

Verso contains a small painting and verse reminiscent of the Emblem books, which were very popular at this time. It depicts the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the cross spilling blood down upon a globe representing the earth shown wrapped in thorns. Above, in German, is the quote from Matthew 3:17 "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". The quote from Psalm 42:5 translates to "The salvation of my countenance".  The quote at the bottom is Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 12:12: "He that made me, rested in my tabernacle".