The Visitation from the Coëtivy Hours

Dunois Master, attributed to

Folio with three-quarter page miniature from a book of hours attributed to the Dunois Master, written in Latin and French in a bastarda script, made in Paris and dated 1443–1445. It was commissioned by Prigent de Coëtivy (1399?–1450) on the occasion of his marriage to Marie de Rais (1429–1457). Removed from the bound volume between 1933 and 1960. Following the calendar, Gospel lessons and Passion story are the mixed Hours of the Virgin (8), Holy Cross (7) and Holy Spirit (7). Matins of the Virgin concludes on the recto, illuminated in the margins with an angel, putti and chained ape or monkey. Lauds of the Virgin starts on the verso with the illuminated initial 'D' (Deus in adiutorium meum intende) painted with white, red, blue and gold ivy-leaf ornament. The miniature is painted in demi-grisaille with pigments and gold and depicts the Visitation. Elizabeth and Mary embrace as the former recognises Mary's pregnancy. Each woman has an attendant, Elizabeth's holds a girdle book while Mary's carries a strongbox. The chained monkey in the lower margin represents lust and greed, tamed by the Virgin's holiness.