Book of Hours, Annunciation, Walters Manuscript W.189, fol. 19v

This book of Hours was probably produced in Bruges in 1480-90, as evidenced by the saints in the Calendar. The provenance is not certain, however, since Bayeux and St. Riquier also are attested by the litany and usage of the Office of the Dead. It is illuminated by painters of the circle of Willem Vrelant and the so-called Master of the Black Prayerbook. The lavish full-page miniatures in black-grisailles, as well as the facing opening of the Hours, are enframed with foliate borders and drolleries. Gold paint is used for the details of the illuminations, bringing light to the monochrome scenes. Similarly, the text is enlightened by gold-speckled large initials for the opening of each of the Hours, and small ones for minor divisions of the text throughout the manuscript. To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.