Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS M.189 fol. 17r

See more information »

Miniature:
Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, holding scepter in right hand, and gesturing with left hand, kneels on one knee before Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneeling beneath curtained canopy inscribed AVE GRATIA PLENA. Book is on floor between them. Above Gabriel, dove of Holy Ghost hovers amid rays, some extending toward Virgin Mary.
Scene in interior with architectural ornament and pseudo-inscription near vault.
Margins, in narrative sequence from lower left to upper right:
1) Joachim and Anna: at Golden Gate -- Joachim, nimbed, embraces Anna, nimbed and veiled with wimple (?), standing before city gate with tower.
2) Virgin Mary: Presentation -- Joachim, nimbed, and Anna, nimbed and veiled with wimple, with joined hands, stand beside stairs climbed by Virgin Mary, nimbed, into temple. Draped altar (?) visible inside temple.
3) Virgin Mary: Life in Temple -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, seated, holds bat with both hands in room decorated with architectural ornament.
4) Virgin Mary: Espousal -- High Priest, wearing hat or miter, and stole crossed on breast, is flanked by Joseph the Carpenter and Virgin Mary, both nimbed. The High Priest holds the left arm of Joseph and the right arm of Virgin Mary. Behind them is group of men and women, veiled, some nimbed.
Bust of man or angel in initial D.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including viola and strawberry.