Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 54r

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Shepherds: Annunciation -- Shepherd crouches playing bagpipe, with pedum and dog chewing bone at his feet. Of three other shepherds, holding hands and dancing, one plays pipe, one wears hood and holds pedum under left arm, and third, wearing hat and hood, holds pedum in left hand and looks up toward angel, nimbed, holding scroll inscribed GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. In background are sheep, dog, and city. Scene in canopied architectural frame.
Right margin, within circle of foliage (top to bottom):
1) Prophet, kneeling, raising left hand, holding scroll with pseudo-inscription in right hand, looks up.
2) Man blowing horn, stands beside horseman, both with backs turned.
Lower margin, within circle of foliage:
Scene, Sports and Games: Hunting, Deer -- Man wearing hood, holding pedum in left hand and blowing horn standing behind stag running.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, including strawberry.