The Nativity, illuminated Renaissance manuscript on vellum. Framed full page miniature leaf, from a Book of Hours, with ruled Latin text en verso, with initials, paragraph markers and endings illuminated by hand in gold, on grounds of blue and/or magenta. Depicts the Holy Family of the Bible with newly born Christ Child, watched over by cow and donkey. A card accompanying this item states that the book was printed in France c. 1512 by Gilles Hardouyn and handpainted in the workshop of Germain Hardouyn, brother of the printer and a skilled illuminator (ref. Bohatta #913, Lancomb #204). Professionally framed under glass in a burlwood molded frame, float mounted, with gilt-lined ivory double mat and window en verso. Sheet – 8 7/8" H x 5 7/8" W (225 mm x 150 mm). Framed – 15 3/4" H x 12 1/2" W. Provenance: Private Southern estate, ex-Charles Edwin Puckett. CONDITION: Vellum exhibits some light toning, some light scattered foxing at left edge, overall excellent condition.