Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, 1470-1480
MS M.137 fol. 56r

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Shepherds: Annunciation -- Of three shepherds, one, wearing hat, holding staff with left hand, shielding eyes with right hand stands with legs crossed; the second, wearing hat, crouches on ground, raising right hand, wearing pouch at waist; and the third, holding bagpipe, wearing pouch at waist, sits on ground. All look up toward bust of angel amid rays in starry arc of Heaven, holding scroll inscribed GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DE(O). Shepherdess, wearing pouch at waist, sits on ground looking at, and holding, sheep. Dog is in foreground; other sheep are amid shepherds.
Scene in landscape with trees, road, body of water, and two towers.
Foliate initial D with grapevine. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including thistle.