Joaquín Gómez de la Cortina (1808-1868) was born in Mexico City into an aristocratic family. He studied law at the University of Alcalá de Henares and worked as a professor at that institution. In 1848 he received the marquisate from Queen Isabel II. Later, in 1856, he devoted himself to his great passion, collecting antique and rare books (Padrosa, 2023). His library was located in his residence in Fuencarral Street (Fontán, 2003). After his death his book collection was dispersed, part of them were sold in Paris in 1872.