Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.167 fol. 29r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, with joined hands raised in prayer, kneels before open book on prie-dieu, under canopy with patterned fabric at her back. To right, Archangel Gabriel, wearing cope, stands with right hand holding scroll inscribed AVE GRATIA PLENA [DOM]INUS TECUM from Luke 1:28. Both flank vase of lilies on floor, and dove of Holy Ghost flies toward the Virgin's head.
Scene in room decorated with patterned fabric and gothic architecture, all within arched gold frame.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), male musician plays trumpet and mermaid holds up comb and mirror, both flanking fountain from which water flows.
In right margin, centaur, wearing hat, blows horn.
Margins decorated with foliate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, grapes, strawberries, and three birds.