Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 345v

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Miniature, column, left: Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Beneath bust of nimbed God in cloudy arc of heaven issuing rays of light in which descends Christ Child, rays as crossed nimbus, nude, on left shoulder holding cross, and dove which hovers between, Archangel Gabriel, partly kneeling, with right hand raised and with left hand holding scroll inscribed AUE GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM based on Luke 1:28, addresses Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, head turned back, with left hand raised and right hand above open book on prie-dieu, beside curtain drawn to side. Scene in vaulted room with canopy, four arched windows and tiled floor. Exterior of building decorated with possibly statue of bishop, nimbed and mitered, wearing vestment fastened with morse, with right hand holding crozier and with left hand holding book, flanked by possibly male saints. Miniature at beginning of First Lesson in Matins for Feast of Annunciation of the Virgin (03.25). Initial M enclosing half figure of angel, nimbed, with joined hands raised; against gold background. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, including strawberry, inhabited by half figures of two prophets, wearing hats, emerging from clouds, holding scrolls inscribed (UIR)GO (CON)CIPIET and ET PARIET FILI(US) (left).