Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 431r

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1) Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, partly kneeling, with right hand raised in blessing and with left hand holding scroll inscribed (A)UE GRACIA PLENA D(OMI)N(U)S TECUM, approaching Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling, at draped prie-dieu, with right hand raised, beside drawn curtain. Dove of Holy Ghost descends in rays. Scene in room with tiled floor, within initial R at beginning of introit of Mass for Feast of Annunciation to Virgin Mary. 2) Three-quarter figure of Evangelist John, nimbed, with wrists crossed and with right hand in blessing, looking down toward serpent emerging out of chalice; against gold background. Figure within initial I at beginning of John 01:01 for Votive Mass of the Virgin. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, including strawberry, inhabited by hybrid man with winged, dragon-like body (upper); centaur, wearing hood and belted garment, with both hands raised (right); and bear (lower).