Virgin and Child from BL Harley 4664, f. 125v

Miniature of a Benedictine monk (presumably intended to represent the original owner of the manuscript) kneeling before the enthroned Virgin and Child, holding a scroll inscribed 'Ave Maria gr(atia plena)' (Hail Mary, full of grace), the words of the archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation. Image taken from f. 125v of Breviary (the 'Coldingham Breviary'), including the Temporale. Written in Latin.

The image of Mary holding the Christ Child is a common depiction in Christian art and is known as the "Madonna and Child." It represents the mother of Jesus and her son and is a symbol of motherhood, love, and compassion.

The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval manuscripts held in the British Library in London. The Harley Manuscripts are part of the larger collection known as the Harley Collection, which was assembled by Robert Harley (1661–1724) and his son Edward Harley (1689–1741). Robert Harley was a prominent English statesman and bibliophile, and he began amassing a vast collection of books and manuscripts in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The Harley Manuscripts are known for their diversity and include a wide range of texts, including historical chronicles, illuminated manuscripts, legal documents, literary works, and scientific treatises. The collection contains over 7,000 manuscripts, and it is considered one of the most important manuscript collections in the British Library.

The Harley Manuscripts are numbered with the prefix "Harley," followed by a specific manuscript number. Each manuscript in the collection has its own unique content and history, and they cover a broad spectrum of topics and time periods. Some of the manuscripts in the collection are beautifully illuminated, with intricate illustrations and decorations.

virgin child bl harley medieval manuscripts latin manuscript medieval miniatures british library

1300 - 1500

British Library

http://europeana.eu/

Public Domain