Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, 1470-1480
MS M.312 fol. 27r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with hands joined beneath canopy at Prie-dieu, beside vase with three lilies. At right, Archangel Gabriel kneels, with left forefinger raied and in right hand holding scroll with inscription AUE GRATIA PLE(NA). From window shine rays upon which descend dove of Holy Ghost. Scene in room with column and decorated with curtain.
Vignette in upper right margin:
Joachim and Anna: at Golden Gate -- Joachim, wearing hat, with purse at his waist, embraces Anna, nimbed and veiled, in front of Golden Gate.
Vignette in lower right margin:
Virgin Mary: Birth -- Anna, nimbed, sits up in bed and holds nude Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands raised. At right is midwife, wearing headdress, with hands extended. Beside the bed sits Joachim, wearing hood, holding book in both hands. Scene in room with two windows and chest and decorated with curtain.
Vignette in lower left margin:
Virgin Mary: Espousal -- Mary, nimbed, extends hands toward Joseph, wearing hood, holding walking stick in right hand and extending left hand. They stand before priest, nimbed, wearing miter, flanked by three women, two of which wear hats, and four men, three of which wear hats. Scene in room with five windows and decorated with curtain.
Margin decorated with floreate ornament, including violas and strawberries, inhabited by bird, moth, and dog emerging from snail's shell.