Book of Hours of the Altarpieces

Book of Hours of the Altarpieces

The so-called Book of Hours of the Altarpieces, also known as the Missal of Fernández de Córdoba, is one of the treasures of the Spanish National Library’s manuscript collection. Closely connected stylistically with the 15th century, its lavish pictorial adornment is very impressive. Alongside the gorgeous miniature pages of the highest quality – which lend the manuscript its name because of their similarity to altarpieces – all the pages of text have been creatively and tastefully designed. Therefore, every page of the manuscript offers enough substance to immerse oneself in the splendor of medieval illumination!

The Unusual Name

Each of the primary miniatures is accompanied by two or three smaller miniatures in a register. These miniatures are reminiscent of altarpieces in their form, so-called retables. It is not only the form of the miniatures, but also their exceptional quality that draws connections to panel painting. The Book of Hours of the Altarpieces, also known as the Missal of Fernández de Córdoba, is an impressive work with outstanding artistic furnishings!

Evidence of the Inquisition

A historically valuable special feature of the Book of Hours of the Altarpieces are the visible manifestations of censorship. The manuscript was censored, like so many other codices in the course of the Inquisition – according to records, the codex was in the possession of a lady named Teresa. Consequently, a prayer to the Virgin Mary is crossed out, among others. This clearly visible sign of intolerance is historically significant, and can serve today as a reminder for tolerance in questions of faith.

Splendid Illumination Modelled on the Flemish Style

The 400 pages of the Book of Hours of the Altarpieces distinctly present the manuscript as a work of the 15th centuries. Stylistically, the illumination follows the fantastic examples of Flemish illumination by the likes of Jan van Eyck or Hans Memling. Without exception, every page of the manuscript is decorated all over. 45 full-page, stylistically exceptional miniatures impress one with their artistry, three-dimensionality, colorfulness, and the design of the figures. The pages of text are also splendidly designed. They are framed by broad ornamental borders consisting of floral ornamentation, adorned with small depictions of animals and the like. Butterflies flutter above the pages, but dragons and cherubs also populate the frames of the text.

Saints, Biblical Tales, Star Signs, and more…

The miniatures present depictions of individual saints, e.g. St. George as a dragon slayer or the martyrdom of St. Apollonia. Additionally, the Passion story and other biblical tales, such as the Slaughter of the Innocents, are handsomely illustrated. Every miniature is additionally labeled with a three-line text along with a large ornamental initial, respectively. Also the calendar pagesadorn the manuscript with splendid ornamentation – broad frames with fine floral elements showing buds and booms. Additionally, a depiction of each of the star signs is combined respectively with another miniature depicting a rustic scene. The pictorial decoration of the Book of Hours of the Altarpieces – additionally accented with gold leaf – makes it clear at first glance that this is an outstanding work of 15th century illumination!