Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 295v

See more information »

Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands raised, kneels before draped prie-dieu on which is open book. Rays descend from above right. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including bladder cherry, strawberry, campanula, grapes, daisy, and rose, and inhabited by winged hybrid animal playing trumpet (Scene, Burlesque: playing Musical Instrument) and by fantastic bird with face on breast. Text is invitatory for Matins, Hours of the Virgin.