An official annual art exhibition held in Madrid since the mid-nineteenth century which set the guidelines for Spanish academic art at the time. It was divided into five sections: painting, sculpture, engraving, architecture and decorative arts. Painting was the core section around which the whole exhibition revolved. A number of distinctions were awarded: first, second and third class medals and an honorary medal or prize, sometimes called a mention of honour. The show was one of Spain’s most important national awards, and was viewed as a key event for all artists aspiring to achieve prestige in their careers. Due to its conservative and academicist nature, it showed little inclination to accept many of the emerging movements and the most innovative works were often rejected or displayed in secondary spaces (which soon came to be known as "crime rooms").

The Real Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order created by King Ferdinand VII (1784-1833) on 14 March 1815 with the name of Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic. It was instated to recognise loyalty to the Nation and to reward the merits of Spanish or foreign individuals who may have contributed to the prosperity of the Crown’s overseas territories. The order was reorganised in 1847 by royal decree and adopted its present-day name. It currently depends on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is granted mostly for civil merits aimed at improving international relationships of cooperation.