Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, possibly Ghent, ca. 1480-1490
M.278 fol. 39v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, rayed nimbus, orant, is seated looking down at open book in her lap. Another open book is next to her on draped bench or prie-dieu at right. At left, Archangel Gabriel raises right hand; another angel hovers in background, grasping with both hands drapery of tent with inscription AVE REGINA CELORUM. Rays descend from dove of Holy Ghost hovering above in mandorla.
Scene in room with wooden ceiling and arched doorway.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including viola, white vine scroll, rose, and strawberry, and inhabited by angel and bee.