Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 35r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneels beneath canopy at carved prie-dieu with open book with pseudo-inscription. Before her kneels archangel Gabriel, holding scepter in left hand, with right hand indicating dove of Holy Ghost, descending on rays from God, with rays as nimbus and both hands raised, in arched window. From mouth of Gabriel extends inscription AUE GRACIA PLENA D[OMI]N[U]S TECU[M].
Floreate margins, inhabited by boar (emblem of Henry VII ?) in lower margin. Four vignettes (clockwise from top right):
1) Joachim and Anna: at Golden Gate -- Anna, nimbed, veiled, embraces Joachim. In background is Golden Gate.
2) Virgin Mary: Birth -- Anna, nimbed, veiled, sleeps in canopied bed. Beside bed, midwife, wearing kerchief, bathes nude infant Virgin Mary, nimbed, standing in tub.
3) Virgin Mary: Presentation -- Virgin Mary, as girl, climbs steps toward priest, wearing conical hat and vestments, standing with hands extended in doorway of temple. Joachim and Anna, veiled, stand beside the steps.
4) Joachim: Offerings rejected -- Tonsured priest, wearing vestments, standing before draped altar with retable and chalice, raises hands to Joachim, extending lamb in both hands. Anna (?), veiled, stands behind him.