Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours
Belgium, Liège, 1261
MS M.440 fol. 7v

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1) Jesse: Tree -- Jesse, with draped head resting on upright left hand, reclines on mattress before Virgin Mary, veiled, holding book in lap, seated on bench, from which issue four foliate branches enclosing two prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, as half figures, holding scrolls, one inscribed EGREDIETUR UIRGA DE RADICE IESSE ET from Isaiah 11:01, and the other inscribed NOUUM FACIET DOMINUS SUPER TERRAM based on Jeremiah 31:22, and two of three doves, possibly representing Gifts of Holy Ghost, the third above the Virgin's head.
2) Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, standing, holds book in left hand and raises right hand toward Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, with right hand on her breast and fold of garment in her left hand, standing at right of foliate lectern on which is open book. Dove of Holy Ghost descends to her ear.
Gold backgrounds with decorated frames.
Miniature on verso facing French Walloon poem on recto (Sinclair, no. I)