Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Brittany, ca. 1425
MS M.865 fol. 29r

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, wearing vair lined robe, kneeling on one knee, holding with left hand scroll inscribed AVE M[ARIA], extends right hand toward Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, kneeling (?) at prie-dieu or lectern, right hand raised, looking over right shoulder toward Gabriel. Vase of lilies is on ground between them. Above, left, half figure of God, nimbed, right hand raised in blessing, appears amid rays and surrounded by red angels. Dove descends toward Virgin Mary amid the rays
Scene is in illusionistic space with vault supported by two slender columns, windows, painted walls, grassy ground and flanked by slender column and by column with niche in which is statue. Beyond column at left is doorway to enter the room. At top of miniature is cupola with three arches in which angels play viol or rebec, lute and double wind instrument or two recorders or pipes.
Margins decorated with border floreate ornament.