Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1470
MS M.28 fol. 21r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, kneeling at prie-dieu, holding page of open book with pseudo-inscription with right hand, raises left hand and looks toward Angel Gabriel, nimbed, holding scroll inscribed AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS in left hand and with right hand pointing up toward dove of Holy Ghost, descending on rays toward Virgin Mary. Scene in hexagonal building with rib vaults, leaded-glass windows, pinnacled arches, columns with carved figures, and tiled floor.
In initial D, two angels flank and support escutcheon with arms (azure a chevron or) largely obliterated.
Amid foliate ornament in margins are hybrid woman with spiral shell, wearing headdress, holding bladder pipe to her mouth with both hands; monkey, seated in net; hybrid animal, wearing bells around neck, playing pipe and tabor, with human face on its hindquarters; moths and birds, including stork; pig playing bagpipe; man, possibly nude below waist, kneeling and holding sash between his hands; hybrid woman, winged, playing rebec; and peacock, with fanned tail.