This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Exhibitions and records of works of art

Prince Albert recognised the importance of photography to record and document notable exhibitions and works of art

AFTER HIPPOLYTE PAUL DELAROCHE (1797-1856)

'Épisode d'un naufrage'

1857-58

Albumen print? | RCIN 2160793

Photograph of a drawing by Delaroche, created around 1848. The work depicts a large wave, the crest of which is dominated by a capsized boat. Three men surround the vessel in an attempt to stay afloat. Additional waves are crashing on the shore in the background, from where an alarmed crowd is watching the shipwreck scene. A lighthouse can be seen in the far right.

  • Creator(s)

    After Hippolyte Paul Delaroche (1797-1856) (artist)

    Robert Jefferson Bingham (1825-70) (photographer)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Communication and transport
        • Accidents
          • Shipwrecks
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Secular architecture
          • Lighthouses
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Earth sciences
        • Meteorology
          • Storms
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs