Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, between 1490 and 1499
MS M.14 fol. 19v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Angel Gabriel, nimbed, holding lily in left hand, kneels before Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated at lectern with open book with pseudo-inscription. Dove of Holy Ghost descends on rays from left toward Mary. Scene in house or courtyard with arcades and marble floor.
In margins are medallions amid floreate ornament. At top left in medallion is Evangelist John, nimbed, beside eagle, holding pen and knife to book with pseudo inscription. Below is cameo with figure and two cherubs seated on medallion enclosing female prophet, nimbed, holding in left hand scroll with pseudo inscription. Below is another cameo with figure and two cherubs standing on medallion enclosing Evangelist Mark, nimbed, beside lion, writing with pen and knife on book with pseudo-inscription.
In upper margin is medallion inscribed IHS, flanked and held by two kneeling cherubs. At top right in oval medallion is nimbed prophet, with left hand raised and pointing and holding scroll in right hand. Below is cameo with figure and cherub reclining on oval medallion enclosing female prophet, nimbed, holding in left hand scroll with pseudo-inscription. Below is another cameo and cherub seated on oval medallion enclosing nimbed prophet, holding scroll with pseudo inscription.
In lower margin are four angels holding wreath of laurel encircling heraldic escutcheon (azure per fess, three fleur-de-lis or, in chief, an ox argent).