The Virgin Annunciate at Howden

Today is the feast of the Annunciation and a good day on which to post a picture of a fourteenth century statue which survives in one of my favourite medeival churches, the little known but marvellous minster at Howden in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The statue is of the Virgin Annunciate, and Our Lady is shown holding the Dove of the Holy Spirit, which speaks into her ear. A rare and delightful representation.

The Virgin Annunciate at Howden

Image:glitterburn.dreamwidth

The photograph is not as clear as I would like, but the only other one I could find online had a reproduction fee.

Howden Minster has an Anglo-Catholic tradition, hence the modern damask hanging behind the statue.  

To whet your appetite for a visit to this great church the local council's tourist website about the Minster can be read here, and here is another view of the building. 

Howden Minster from the east - the choir has been a ruin since 1696

Image: cornishchurches.com