Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Langres, ca. 1465
MS G.55 fol. 36v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneels at draped prie-dieu on top of which is book. She looks back to Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, raising right hand and holding with left hand, scroll inscribed AVE GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM. Above right in window, bust of God, with crossed nimbus, raises right hand in blessing and holds tripartite globe surmounted by cross with left hand. He is amid rays, some of which reach Virgin Mary. Next to her is pedestal on top of which is vase of white flowers.
In background is draped altar below canopy with retable with relief of angel standing next to God, crossed projecting nimbus, right hand raised in blessing, possibly holding cross surmounted globe in left hand. Behind altar is tapestry inscribed ECCE ANCILLA DOMINI FIAT MICHI SECUNDUM and AVE GRACIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM. Scene within windowed room with wooden ceiling.
Miniature surrounded by architectural frame of two columns with capitals supporting arch. Margins decorated with floreate ornament, including viola and berries, inhabited by bird. In left margin, monogram of initials A and P linked by love knot. In lower margin, heraldic shield of Pierre de Bosredont (quarterly, vair and gules) flanked by two rabbits.