Not currently on display at the V&A

Royal American Order of Isabella the Catholic

Decoration
1850-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This Order was instituted by King Ferdinand VII in 1815 to celebrate his return to the throne. When awarded to foreigners it is for services to Spain. It was awarded to John Charles Robinson (1824-1913), curator, scholar and collector, who worked at the V&A in its earliest days and was a very important figure in the formation of the collections. The inscription on the obverse (primary face) is 'A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA' ('For loyalty shown'). On the reverse is the inscription 'POR YSABEL LA CATOLICA' ('For Isabella the Catholic').


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleRoyal American Order of Isabella the Catholic (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gold, enamelled
Brief description
Decoration, enamelled gold, 'Royal American Order of Isabella the Catholic', miniature version in the form of a Maltese Cross, Spanish, 19th century
Physical description
Decoration in the form of an enamelled gold Maltese cross with rays in the angles of the cross. Central white enamelled medallion shows the columns of Hercules and two globes with a single crown. Suspension ring in form of oval green enamelled laurel wreath. Inscription.
Dimensions
  • To top of suspension ring height: 20mm
  • Width: 13mm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA' (Inscription (obverse))
    Translation
    'For loyalty shown'
  • 'POR YSABEL LA CATOLICA' (Inscription (reverse))
    Translation
    'For Isabella the Catholic'
Credit line
Given by the family of the late Sir J. C. Robinson
Object history
This miniature version of the Order (A.9-2006) was awarded to John Charles Robinson during his lifetime. It would have been worn on occasions when use of the full sized decoration was not appropriate.
Given together with A.1 to A.10 and A.12 to A.14, by Gerald Robinson.
Historical context
The Order of Isabella the Catholic was instituted in 1815 by King Ferdinand VII, to celebrate his return to the throne and to honour Queen Isabella (1451-1504) under whom Spain had united and prospered. When awarded to foreigners it is for services to Spain.
Subjects depicted
Association
Summary
This Order was instituted by King Ferdinand VII in 1815 to celebrate his return to the throne. When awarded to foreigners it is for services to Spain. It was awarded to John Charles Robinson (1824-1913), curator, scholar and collector, who worked at the V&A in its earliest days and was a very important figure in the formation of the collections. The inscription on the obverse (primary face) is 'A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA' ('For loyalty shown'). On the reverse is the inscription 'POR YSABEL LA CATOLICA' ('For Isabella the Catholic').
Associated objects
Bibliographic reference
Orders, Medals and Decorations of Britain and Europe, by Paul Hieronymussen, London, 1966.
Collection
Accession number
A.11-2006

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Record createdOctober 18, 2006
Record URL
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