Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 21r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, wearing jeweled cope and fillet, holding scroll in left hand inscribed AUE GRACIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM, kneels on one knee before Virgin Mary, nimbed, with right hand raised, kneeling at prie-dieu (?) before altar with two candles on candlesticks, surmounted by canopy. Figures in building with groin vaults and cloth divider. Above, in arc heaven is God, nimbed, emanating rays, flanked by seraphim, holding cross-surmounted globe in left hand, with rays emitting from His mouth. Descending on the rays toward the Virgin Mary is dove of Holy Ghost. Diapered background.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) Joachim: giving to Poor -- Anna (?), veiled, stands behind Joachim, wearing hat, with purse at waist, placing coin (?) in bowl held by beggar, wearing cap, with crutch beneath left arm. Diapered background.
2) Joachim: Offerings rejected -- Joachim, kneeling, extends lamb toward High Priest, wearing pointed hat, with both hands raised, standing beside draped altar with candle and retable. Scene in room with windows and cloth wall hanging.
3) Joachim: Offerings rejected -- Joachim, wearing hat, holding lamb, stands in landscape with trees and sky with stars.
4) Joachim: Annunciation -- Joachim, wearing purse at waist, kneeling on one knee, gestures toward angel, as half figure in sky amid rays, gesturing. Man, holding bagpipe, witnesses scene. Scene in landscape with flock of sheep, seated dog, trees, and sky with stars.