Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, 1450-1475
MS M.56 fol. 13r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel kneels before Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, kneeling with joined hands raised beside prie-dieu beneath arcade. Rays descend to Mary from upper left. In background is curtain and garden with trees and flowers, all within initial D decorated with foliate ornament and cherub.
Margins decorated with foliate ornament. In left margin is cherub holding in both raised hands object, possibly ball or globe. In lower margin are two cherubs flanking and holding laurel wreath encircling escutcheon of arms (party per bend dexter of azure and argent, the azure field bearing a swan of the second). In lower right corner is nude figure holding rod with curtain in raised right hand.