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IM-10266: (125x85mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled, Latin  text, written with dark brown ink in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. One three-line illuminated initial in blue on a burnished gold ground with a floral interior in blue and red; one two-line illuminated initials in pink with delicate white tracery on a burnished gold ground, having a floral interior in green and blue on burnished gold ground; two one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold, on blue & red ground with delicate white tracery. Panel border contains highly decorative floral designs with berries and acanthus leaves in blue, pink, green, orange and brushed and burnished gold.   

Northern France (Brittany?),  c. 1450-60.

Miniature painting (72x45mm) of The Annunciation to the Shepherds:  Two shepherds look up at the angel in the sky who has red wings and is wearing a red robe. The angel’s banner reads “Gloria in excelsis deo”. Three sheep are in the foreground and a medieval city in the background.  The border surrounding the miniature contains highly decorative floral designs in multiple colors and burnished gold with a maiden and two knaves along the bottom and a tree (symbol of life) in the left margin.

The two-line illuminated “E” begins the prayer: "Exaudi..." (Graciously hear us O God our Savior...). The two-line illuminated “D” opens the Hour of Terce: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God).