This leaf is from the brief transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. The earliest printers were trained in the manuscript tradition and incorporated the conventions of historiated initials and illustrations into their early work. At first they left those spaces blank for the illuminator to complete entirely by hand. Later they developed printing methods (using woodcuts or iron engravings) to decorate the leaves.

This buttery vellum leaf features a hand-colored image on recto of the Annunciation, with the Virgin Mary with a nimbus reading from a book with Archangel Gabriel beside her. The accompanying text translates in part as: "The angel Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary, espoused to Joseph, announcing to her the word: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee." The text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that feature scenes from the bible, plants, and mythical creatures.

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Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling.