Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Angers or Nantes, ca. 1440
M.63 fol. 21r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Half-figure of God, wearing decorated nimbus, raises right hand in gesture of blessing. He is above Gabriel, nimbed, kneeling, with right hands raised, beside scroll with inscription, AVE (MAR)IA PLENA DO(MINUS TEC)UM. At right is Mary, hands crossed, nimbed, kneeling at prie-dieu, upon which is open book with pseudo-inscription.
Scene is in vaulted room. In background is draped altar, over which is retable with scene of crucified Christ flanked by two figures. Over altar is canopy. In background at right is bed.
Margins are decorated with floreate border, including columbines and strawberries, inhabited by duck, cock (rooster), and flies. In lower margin is escutcheon with heraldic decoration.