Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1500
MS M.151 fol. 22r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised beside draped prie-dieu with open book with pseudo-inscription. Before her are vase with lily and Archangel Gabriel, holding scepter in right hand, kneeling on one knee. Dove of Holy Ghost descends on rays from right toward the Virgin. In background is canopied throne and brocade cloth of honor. Statue carved in wall of room beside arched opening.
Scene enclosed by architectural canopy supported by two columns, each topped with figure of prophet (?), wearing hat, gesturing toward central scene of Adam and Eve, both nude and holding pieces of fruit, flanking human-headed serpent encircling tree (Adam and Eve: Fall of Man).