Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, 1450-1475
MS W.5 fol. 13r

See more information »

Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Below canopy, Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands is seated with open book on lap. Archangel Gabriel, winged, indicating upwards with right hand, holds with left hand scroll inscribed AVE MARIA. Dove of Holy Ghost, nimbed, hovers in round window at upper right; rays descend from the dove to Virgin Mary.
Scene in room with decorated with architectural ornament, framed at top by double arch, supported by column with foliate capital. Spandrel of the arches inscribed ECCE ANCILLA DOM[INI].
Initial D enclosing heraldry (Quarterly 1 and 4 argent an eagle displayed sable, 2 and 3 quarterly, 1 and 4 argent a semy of pellets, 2 and 3 gules).
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including viola and inhabited by bird.