Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1417
MS M.455 fol. 23r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, sits on bench draped with patterned fabric within room, right hand touching open book, inscribed ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI FIAT ME from Luke 1:38, sitting on lectern. She turns toward angel Gabriel, nimbed, kneeling, right hand raised, left hand holding scroll inscribed AVE GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS from Luke 1:28. On rays of light, dove of Holy Ghost descends toward head of the Virgin from God, cross-nimbed, right hand raised in blessing, surrounded by red angels, possibly cherubim, in sky (suggesting Trinity).
Scene on diapered background in gold frame.