Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 262r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Gabriel, nimbed, holding lily with left hand, raising right hand, looks toward Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, head inclined, hands crossed on breast. Dove of Holy Ghost at upper left. All within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, bust of prophet, with blank scroll, in medallion amid gold balls and flowers. In lower left margin, medallion enclosing back-turned bust of man wearing hat, looking upward. Linking the medallions, band decorated with flower and leaves, cornucopia, pearls, gemstone, helmet, shield, and drum.
In lower margin, camaieu head of king, crowned, flanked by foliage, amid gold balls and floreate ornament.
Pen-flourished initials.
Text is collect for first Vespers on 03.25, feast of the Annunciation.