Pacheco states that Mary must be depicted decently in her Betrothal scene. The artist Don Luis Pascual was criticised by the Spanish author, whose painting shows a Virgin Mary not dressed “appropriately in correspondence to Her greatness and importance”. The reason for such criticism is because the artist depicted her without a mantle, “with a large Venetian skirt very tucked into the waist, full of many bows of colored ribbons and with large sleeves”. (Pacceho 1990, book 3, ch.12, 591-592)

Molanus condemns the use of Almanacks since they display dangerous images and false doctrines

Molanus calls for the prohibition of sacred and profane paintings that deliberately discuss, recount or teach indecent or obscene matters, like is the case for books.

Molanus condemns and ridicules the pagan gods and names several of them: Vulcan, Apollo, Saturn, Diana, Mercury, Pan, June, and Neptune.

Juan de la Fuente affirmed that for testing the power of the saint – that is, to believe in “those stick saints” – the person should take the object to a river and if the saint went upriver he could well believe in him, and if not “he was a piece of the stick”.

Pacheco when analysing the scenes about the flight into Egypt and the return from there, observes that the artists did not pay attention to some elements concerning these two different moments, mainly concerning the passage of time and the different ages of Christ as a child in such scenes.

Pacheco when analysing the scenes about the flight into Egypt and the return from there, observes that the artists did not pay attention to some elements concerning these two different moments, mainly concerning the passage of time and the different ages of Christ as a child in such scenes.

Molanus argues that paintings are the visual reproduction of a written story, therefore they should receive the same devotion while venerated as the texts themselves.

Molanus argues that, despite the lack of reference in the Scripture, depicting Joseph with an axe does not pose an error.

Molanus calls for caution from artists in the depiction of death since nothing is more uncertain than the moment one passes away.

Molanus discusses attributes, like crowns, halos and the like in the depictions of saints, they represent the four cardinal virtues.

The Portuguese Rodrigo de Velasco was denounced by a prison companion

In this section, the characters discuss the correct technical process of creating a work of art.

Regarding the Holy Trinity iconography of three equal figures seated with the same suit and age, with crowns on their heads and scepters in their hands, Pacheco considers an unclear iconography, since it might confuse “the ignorant”. He argues it needs a particular sign of attribute in which each person is known, as well as the distinction of each character and their places, in which the Holy Spirit has to be in the middle.

Concerning the representation of Archangel St. Michael, Pacheco is clear: is an inadequate manner to depict the St. without a weight scale. Such an element is considered essential to connect with the St.’s role, which is to help the common people to understand that it has the power to receive men’s souls and weigh their merits.

Molanus concludes that a certain pictorial tradition of an unestablished story does not mean this story has become certain, but that this way of depicting is most probable.

Molanus affirms that iconographies derived from apocryphal sources but that are approved by the commentators are allowed in art.

Molanus discusses the conflicts between the written sources and the tradition in painting regarding the exterior features of St. Paul, in this case the pictorial tradition should prevail.

Letter of the Suprema to the Inquisitors of the town of Valencia describing some canvases that allegedly entered the kingdom and recommending that they be collected so that they do not continue to circulate.

Dealing with the story of St. Jerome, Pacheco indicates two distinct ways of depicting this saint: one, in his penance in the desert, which is the most common, and the other one, in his cardinal’s costume.

Molanus argues that only theologians are capable of judging whether art is in accordance with the viewpoints of the Church.

Molanus calls for the removal of lascivious art from public areas by worldly authorities.

Molanus condemns and ridicules the pagan gods and focusses on Bacchus.