Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1420
MS M.960 fol. 25r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, resting both hands on open book on her lap, is seated on cushion below canopy. Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, kneels before her, extending right hand, holding with left hand, scroll inscribed AUE GRACIA PLENA (Luke 01:28). In background is lectern. Above, in blue sun with rays, is half-figure of God, nimbed.
Exterior scene with grass and wattle fence; background of white vine scroll.
In initial D decorated with vining floreate ornament, half-figure raising both arms, possibly grasping vines.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including columbine, and inhabited by birds possibly including dove, warbler, and pheasant, and butterfly. In lower margin, angel, nimbed, on scroll inscribed with motto of owner, [POUR] SON UOULOIR. Fragments of the motto repeated throughout decoration of border.