Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Spain, perhaps Burgos or Segovia, 1465-1480
MS M.854 fol. 53v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, wearing cross-surmounted fillet, holding in left hand scepter encircled by scroll inscribed AVE GRATIA PLENA, points upward with right hand and kneels on one knee before Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing beaded fillet, kneeling with joined hands raised behind prie-dieu upon which rests open book, scroll with pseudo-inscription, and two-handled vase containing lilies. Dove of Holy Ghost descends on rays through window toward Virgin Mary. In background is tall cabinet, with books and vessels. Behind and above the Virgin Mary is patterned canopy. Floor has pattern of diamonds inscribed with crosses.
Miniature enclosed by frame inscribed MISUS ES GRABIEL ANGELUS A DEO IN CIUITATE GALILEE CVI NOMEN NAZARET AD VIRGINEM DESPONSATAM VIRO CVI (sic).
Amid foliate ornament in margins are seven birds; fantastic animal with beak; man, wearing hat and pointed garment, holding foliage in both hands; and man, wearing braies and shirt, with legs bare, holding foliage.
Miniature and ornament executed in grisaille and gold tones with color accents.