Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
France, probably Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.32 fol. 39r

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Shepherds: Annunciation -- Beneath rays and starry sky, angel, holding scroll, descends toward two shepherds, one wearing hat, extending right hand, and the other hooded, raising right hand, each holding pedum in left hand, wearing purse at waist, both looking up; flock of eight black sheep. In foreground, two other shepherds, one wearing hat, playing bagpipe, and the other hooded, with right hand shielding eyes, looking up, both flank veiled shepherdess, seated, holding gold wreath (?) on lap; flock of fifteen (?) white sheep. Scene in landscape with trees, fence at left, water before city, and buildings and towers on hills in distance. Margin, left: Scene: unidentified -- Bearded man, in fruit tree, lowers left arm, dropping red fruit (?) to raised left hand of maiden, beside veiled woman holding fold of apron containing fruit. Figures in hilly landscape with trees and starry sky above. Margin, lower: Moses: Miracle of Manna -- Manna descends from cloud, emitting rays, above Moses, name inscribed MOYSE, horned, bearded, looking up, holding fleuron-tipped scepter in left hand and Tables of Law in right hand. Behind him, man, wearing hat, gathers manna in fold of garment and two men, wearing hats, extend hands toward falling manna, beside basket on ground; four other men, two wearing hats, raise hands toward manna. Scene in landscape with trees, within medallion. Margins decorated with floreate and foliate decoration, including violas, thistles and currants and one vessel.