Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, perhaps in Mons, ca. 1450-1460
MS M.104 fol. 20v

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Pentecost -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, holding open book in both hands, sits with head inclined and looks up toward dove of Holy Ghost, nimbed, emanating rays, with wings extended. The Virgin is surrounded by twelve Apostles, six nimbed, one holding open book with pseudo-inscription, one tonsured, possibly Peter, and one with joined hands raised, all seated. Scene in room with vaulted ceiling supported by two columns, windows, through which rays shine into room, and tile floor.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux and floreate ornament. Baguettes with floreate patterns in left, lower, and right margins. In left margin in medallion is stork (?), with neck bent back. In lower margin are two birds, one with outstretched wings.