Manuscript Illumination with the Annunciation in an Initial R, from a Gradual, ca. 1300

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Manuscript Illumination with the Annunciation in an Initial R, from a Gradual, ca. 1300, Made in Lake Constance, Switzerland, Upper Rhenish, Tempera, ink and gold on parchment, 4 x 3 1/16in. ( x ), Manuscripts and Illuminations, Here, the letter “R” opens the Introit, or entrance hymn, “Rorate caeli de super” (Drop down dew, you heavens, from above), sung on the Feast of the Annunciation. This feast day was one of the most important in the Church calendar, celebrating the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus

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Size: 3642px × 4588px
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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