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IM-10616: (148 x 110mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. One illuminated four-line initial in blue & white on burnished gold ground with floral infill in red, orange & blue; two illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on blue & red ground; three illuminated one line initials alternating in blue with red penwork & burnished gold with blue penwork. The panel borders contain a highly decorative geometric border with an interior floral design (including strawberries - symbol of perfect righteousness and columbines - symbol of the Holy Spirit) in blue, red, green, pink, & liquid gold.  France (Paris), c. 1480.

The miniature painting (80 x 64mm) depicts The Annunciation to the Shepherds: The two shepherds, each holding their staff, look towards the descending rays - one shielding his eyes from the bright light, his companion dog seated at his left with ears at attention.  The flock of sheep appears to turn in the direction of the rays.  Rolling blue hills are seen the background.

The four-line illuminated ''D'' begins:  ''Deus...'' (Incline unto my aid O God.  O Lord make haste to help me...).  The two-line illuminated ''V'' begins the hymn (Veni Creator) and switches to another (Memento Salutis auctor):  ''Veni creator...'' (Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. Remember, O Creator Lord that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume...).