Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 329v

See more information »

Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Gabriel, nimbed, gesturing with right hand, holding scepter with left hand, looks toward Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneeling before draped prie-dieu on which is open book, looking toward Gabriel. Dove of Holy Ghost descends on rays from upper left. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including campanula, bladder cherry, holly, daisy and cornflower , and inhabited by winged hybrid animal playing trumpet and by fantastic animal. Text is first lesson in first nocturn for Matins on 03.25, feast of the Annunciation.