Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Brussels, ca. 1540
MS M.696 fol. 130v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised at draped prie-dieu, upon which is open book with two clasps. She turns slightly towards archangel Gabriel, nimbed, wearing cross-surmounted fillet, standing with right hand raised and holding scepter in left hand. Above is dove of Holy Ghost, with wings extended, nimbed, emanating rays in mandorla. Scene in room with window; carved wooden paneling; cabinet draped with fringed cloth; cushion on window seat; canopied bed; and tile floor.
Text and miniature enclosed in classicizing architectural frame. In lower margin is scroll inscribed AUE MARIA GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM (Luke 01:28).