Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Tours, ca. 1465
MS M.161 fol. 23r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, holding in both hands scroll inscribed AVE GRACIA PLENA, kneels on one knee before Virgin Mary, with rays as nimbus, with both hands raised, kneeling on cushion at draped prie-dieu with open book with pseudo-inscription. To right is draped altar with retable, candlestick and book, all beneath canopy. Rays descend from left through doorway to Virgin Mary. Scene in interior, possibly church, with groin vaults, brocade cloths, and leaded-glass windows.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament inhabited by man with pointed ears, kneeling and playing lute; and by hybrid animal, playing horn held in forepaws.