Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1400
MS M.264 fol. 19r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, decorated nimbus, wearing red cope, kneels before the Virgin, right hand holding scroll inscribed AVE MARIA GRACIA PLENA (from Luke 1:28). Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, orant, sits in chair with attached lectern (bookstand) holding open book with pseudo-inscription. Dove of Holy Ghost flies on rays of light toward the Virgin's head. In arc of heaven, bust of God / Christ, cross-nimbed, showing wounds in hands, looks toward the Virgin.
Scene against background of fleurs-de-lis within gold frame.
Page decorated with foliate border with flowers and acanthus leaves.