Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 59v

See more information »

Upper register:
Shepherds: Annunciation -- Of three angels emerging from clouds, emitting rays, two hold ends of scroll with inscription, GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO ET IN TERRA PAX HOM(INIBUS).
Below, shepherdess, wearing headdress, sits on ground with lamb in her lap, her hands raised. She is surrounded and four sheperds and flock. One shepherd, wearing hat, raises left hand; second shepherd, wearing hood, raises left forefinger to indicate the angels; third shepherd, wearing hat, sits on ground with hands raised; and fourth shepherd, wearing hat, holds pedum in left hand and raises right hand.
Scene in landscape setting with buildings of city in background
Lower register:
Shepherds: Annunciation -- Shepherd, wearing hood, kneels on one knee and plays bagpipe, beside dog. At right, shepherd, wearing hat, sits on ground beside flock and raises right forefinger.
Scene beside wattle fence and building, in landscape setting, with buildings in distance.
Miniatures within architectural frame.
Bird within decorated initial D.