MASTER OF BOUCICAUT AND WORKSHOP. The Annunciation... Lot 32

MASTER OF BOUCICAUT AND WORKSHOP. The Annunciation to the shepherds. Large miniature on a leaf, from an illuminated Book of Hours, on vellum. Paris, around 1415. Size 16,9 x 12,2 cm. On the back a large rectangular miniature of 75 x 67 mm. Two shepherds and their dog, sitting at the foot of a small hill, are guarding seven sheep sleeping on the hillside, near three tree stumps and a large tree. In the sky appears an angel unfolding a phylactery on which is written "Gloria [in excelisis et pax in] terra". An ornamental background with red, blue and gold squares counteracts the naturalistic intent of the landscape work. The maintenance of ornamental backgrounds during the first half of the 15th century is nevertheless in keeping with a visual convention inherited from the previous century. The margins are richly decorated with interlacing vignettes and spring flowers in red and blue.