Full-page miniature of the Annunciation, fol. 167v

Public domain reproduction of illuminated book page, 15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

A book of hours is a type of devotional text that was popular in the Middle Ages, particularly in the late medieval period. It is a type of prayer book that contains a collection of prayers and devotional texts that were meant to be read at specific times of the day, known as the "hours." These texts were usually written in Latin and were intended for personal use by laypeople, although some were also used by monks and other religious figures. The book of hours typically included a calendar of feast days, psalms, and other prayers, as well as illustrations and decorations.

The Annunciation is a biblical event in which the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she had been chosen to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The event is recorded in the New Testament in the Gospels of Luke and is a central moment in the story of the Nativity of Jesus. The scene typically depicts Mary and Gabriel, who is usually shown holding a lily, a symbol of purity, and announcing the news of the birth of Jesus to Mary.