Single leaf from a Book of Hours with a large miniature depicting the Annunciation to the Shepherds.

C. 195 x 155 mm, extended by cuttings from the same ms. to c. 240 x 185 mm, vellum.

Framed (visible recto/verso).

Very nice arch topped miniature (100 x 70 mm) figuring shepherds with their dog and sheep in a hilly landscape with trees at the horizon, gazing up at the angel with banderolle announcing the birth of Jesus. Borders (extended at top and right side) in fine penwork with blue flowers, details in burnished gold. Four lines of text in a Gothic hand with large three-line decorated initial in burnished gold. Text on verso on 15 ll. From the workshop of the Bedford Master, and probably by the Master himself, the composition of the scene being very similiar to that of f. 70v of the "Bedford Hours" (British Library Addit. 18850) but reversed.
Prov. Sotheby's, London, Sale July 6th, 2010.