Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, probably Tours, ca. 1530-1535
MS M.452 fol. 1v

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Escutcheon with arms of Henry III, King of France as Duke of Anjou (azur three fleur-de-lis a label of three points gules), surmounted by jeweled crown and encircled by gold chain with pendant embossed with standing figure, all surrounded by olive branches tied with red ribbons.
In top margin, two winged female figures, wearing laurel wreaths, each holding palm with one hand, flank and support escutcheon inscribed with initial H, surmounted by crown, and encircled by olive branches. Cornucopias full of fruit at each upper corner.
In left and right margins (same composition for both) are suits of armor, halberds, and horse armor (?), above escutcheons inscribed with initial H, surmounted by crown, and encircled by olive branches. Below the escutcheons are shields embossed with faces, helmets, and spears; drums, suspended from pink sashes; and bannered trumpets.
In center of lower margin is escutcheon inscribed with initial H, surmounted by crown, and encircled by olive branches, behind which are two crossed cannon and striped flags (banners).