Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps in Paris or northeastern France, ca. 1465
MS M.1003 fol. 61r

See more information »

Miniature:
Virgin Mary: Visitation -- Elizabeth, nimbed, wearing wimpled veil, and Virgin Mary, nimbed, embrace, Elizabeth placing her right hand on abdomen of Virgin Mary. Two women stand behind Virgin Mary, one wearing diadem, the other holding wooden casket. Figures stand next to wattle fence and stream, before building.
Medallions in margins, from top to bottom:
1) Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, looking at book held with both hands in lap, is seated on bench beneath canopy. Archangel Gabriel, extending right hand toward Virgin Mary, holding cross staff, kneels on one knee. Figures in windowed room with tiled floor. Scene inscribed ECCE ELISABETH COGNATA TUA.
2) Virgin Mary: Visitation, Journey -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, holding walking stick in right hand, walking with two women, one carrying casket. Scene in landscape with trees, and walled city in background beneath starry sky.
3) John Baptist: Birth -- Elizabeth, nimbed and veiled, reclines in draped bed, mirror hanging above her head, beneath canopy. John Baptist, rays as nimbus, nude, is held (?) by Virgin Mary, nimbed, next to two women, one with outstretched arms. At foot of bed, Zacharias sits in chair looking at open book held with both hands in his lap.
Margins decorated with birds and floreate ornament including strawberry.