Manuscript Leaf with the Annunciation from a Book of Hours 1485 - 1490

This miniature, a leaf from a Book of Hours, depicts the Annunciation, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. The scene, painted by French artist Jean Bourdichon in the late 15th century, showcases the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God. The detailed rendering of Mary's prayerful pose and Gabriel's winged form, set against a golden background, is characteristic of Bourdichon's exquisite style, renowned for its delicate lines and vibrant colors. This miniature, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the devotional practice of the 15th century.