Book of Hours, Initial “O” with the Annunciation to the Shepherds, Walters Manuscript W.90, fol. 67v

This Book of Hours was produced in the early fourteenth century in Northeast France. The contents of the calendar suggest a use of Saint-Omer which was in the diocese of Therouanne. The presence of a female figure kneeling in prayer accompanying the Pentecost suggests the manuscript was made for a female owner. The calendar contains marginal illumination with the Labors of the Months and the zodiac symbols. There are seven full-page miniatures depicting scenes from the book of Genesis contained within architectural settings. There are twenty-four historiated initials as well as a number of initials decorated with human heads. An abundance of marginal figures makes this manuscript exceptionally charming. To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.