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Images of the angel Gabriel and Mary flank the text, their over large hands pointing to it. In fact, the angel forms a capital letter I at the beginning of the page. The figures are captioned in a slightly peculiar majuscule script which seems to use some uncial and some rustic capital letters. This particular passage has inspired some of the most exquisite works of medieval art, but this rendition may perhaps be termed quaint. |  |
| Mozarabic liturgy, 10th century (British Library, add. ms. 30844) All images by permission of the British Library. | ||
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This battered sculptural version of the Annunciation scene appeals to me, mainly because the vigorous pose of the Virgin seems to convey a hearty scepticism for the astonishing message that the angel is conveying. She probably would have required a more detailed explanation than the brief message she receives in the text. | |
| Annunciation scene from an outer wall of Amiens cathedral. | ||
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 Script sample for this example |
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Index
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