Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.1093 fol. 24r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, with scalloped nimbus, kneels with joined hands raised beside lectern with open book with pseudo-inscription and beside two-handled vase with lily. Before her kneels Archangel Gabriel, wearing jeweled cope, with right hand pointing toward the Virgin and with left hand holding scroll inscribed AVE GRACIA PLENA D[OMI]N[U]S TECU[M] BEN[EDICTA]. Behind Mary and Gabriel are brocade cloths. Above, nimbed dove descends on rays through leaded-glass window. Scene in church with groin vault, arched leaded-glass windows, and architectural canopy with two male statues, one gesturing.
Margins with foliate ornament, inhabited by squirrel, holding nut (?) to mouth with both forepaws; stag beside tree; and two-tiered fountain with four waterspouts, with bluebird perched on rim, duck floating in pool at base, and crane drinking from pool.