Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.1170. Fol. 021v

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Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, cross on head, wearing cope fastened with morse, holding scepter in left hand and with right hand raised, partly kneels before Virgin Mary, nimbus as rays, kneeling on pillow, before open book with pseudo-inscription on prie-dieu, with hands crossed on her breast (Virgin of Humility). Dove of Holy Ghost, nimbed, in mandorla, emitting rays, hovers between the Gabriel and Virgin Mary.
Scene in room with wooden ceiling, arched window and tiled floor, canopied bed at far right.
Miniature at beginning of Matins of Hours of the Virgin.
Margins inhabited by four moths, butterfly, and snail and scattered with naturalistic flowers including forget-me-not, columbine, viola, rose and dianthus; against gold background.