1054.—Border with Mary, Jesus and Josephdetails

This frame, or cartouche, forms a decorative border around a rectangle for inserting type, such as a place-setting or perhaps an invitation to a Christening. On the left are Mary and Jesus; on the right, Joseph holding the Rod of Aaron with its serpent. According to legend, Joseph took the rod with him on the Flight to Egypt. The rod also symbolizes the cross. It’s possible the bush in the centre together with the upturned basket (if that’s what it is) are symbols of Moses.