Also known as the Missal of Fernández de Córdoba, this codex is a magnificent example of a Book of Hours in the Roman tradition. Books of Hours and prayer books in general fell under such suspicion that they ended up being banned by the Inquisition.

This edition is a paradigmatic case: the codex, property at the time of a lady called Teresa, was censored and thus appears expurgated – precisely in one of the most popular prayers to Mary.

The scored-out text is a historical document that bears irrefutable witness to the dangers inherent in dogmatism and intolerance. Such testimonial proof would be worthy of publication in itself, but this volume is also a work of art.

It is made of the finest vellum and highly refined pigments, its traditional techniques are excellent and its decoration and illustrations are exquisite. The manuscript is, in its very making, a clear exponent of the finest international style of the 15th century. The originality of the miniatures in the form of altarpieces is a special feature of this book, which contains hundreds of ornamental designs within the pages of text, such as butterflies, birds, dragons, putti and the like. Equally beautiful is its current binding in repoussé leather on board, inlaid with gold and cobalt.