Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Brittany, France, ca. 1440-1450 ; Paris, France, ca. 1500-1510
MS M.117 fol. 28r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, with left hand raised, holding scepter in right hand, stands before Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling before cloth of honor, with left hand on breast and holding open book in right hand. Rays descend toward the Virgin from top left and above her hovers dove of Holy Ghost, nimbed.
Four vignettes in right and lower margins:
1) Joachim: Offerings rejected -- High Priest, nimbed, wearing bishop's miter, stands in pulpit with both hands raised to Joachim, holding lamb, and Anna, nimbed, standing behind him.
2) Joachim: Annunciation -- Joachim, wearing hat, kneels on one knee in wilderness below angel, emanating rays.
3) Anna: Annunciation -- Angel, nimbed, appears to Anna, nimbed, seated, with head resting on her right hand.
4) Joachim and Anna: at Golden Gate -- Anna, nimbed, and Joachim embrace before Golden Gate.
Left margin with foliate ornament.