This magnificent leaf, once part of a grand illuminated missal, features a historiated initial “R” introducing the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) within the Temporal cycle of the liturgical calendar. The Annunciation scene, depicted with remarkable delicacy, portrays the Virgin Mary in prayer as the Archangel Gabriel delivers his divine message. Gabriel, adorned in white with emerald green and red wings, gestures toward the Virgin while holding a scroll inscribed with the opening words of his proclamation: Ave gratia plena, Dominus tecum (“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee”). The setting, a Gothic architectural interior, adds depth to the scene by situating the moment of divine revelation within a richly conceived sacred space.

The illumination is framed within an opulent border of acanthus leaves, vines, and floral motifs, painted in vibrant blue, green, red, and gold. This refined decorative structure, executed with meticulous precision, is characteristic of mid-15th century French illumination, particularly from the Loire Valley. The leaf’s elaborate two column text layout, in a formal Gothic script, is accentuated by ornate initials in blue and red with delicate pen flourishes. Given the lavish treatment of both the text and imagery, this missal was likely commissioned for an important ecclesiastical figure or a noble patron.

A rare survivor of 15th century French manuscript illumination, this leaf stands as a testament to the sophisticated artistic production of the Loire Valley workshops. The precision of the miniature and the finesse of its ornamentation reflect the influence of contemporary French illuminators, including the school of Jean Fouquet, whose innovative approach to perspective and color shaped manuscript painting in the period.

PROVENANCE:

France, Private Collection

LITERATURE:

On French manuscript illumination in this period see, F. Avril and N. Reynaud, Les manuscripts à peinture en France, Paris,1993.