Exhibitions and records of works of art
Prince Albert recognised the importance of photography to record and document notable exhibitions and works of art
FRANCIS BEDFORD (1815-94)
Works of Art Exhibited at Marlborough House, 1854: Cingalese Sword Hilt
1854Albumen print | 17.9 x 11.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2800193
Photograph of a kastane, a ceremonial sword associated with Sri Lanka. The crossguard, or quililon, and finger guards are chiselled in the form of monster heads. The pommel is in the form of a dragon's head. The hilt is covered with richly embossed gold work and the sheath, only partially visible, is covered with chased and embossed gold foliate ornament.
Creator(s)
Francis Bedford (1815-94) (photographer)
17.9 x 11.4 cm (image)
'Cingalese Sword Hilt'
Commissioned by Henry Cole. Later acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Subject(s)
- Places
- Europe
- Great Britain
- England
- Greater London [England]
- London [Greater London]
- City of Westminster [London]
- Marlborough House [London]
- City of Westminster [London]
- London [Greater London]
- Greater London [England]
- England
- Great Britain
- Europe
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Engineering & Technology
- Military engineering
- Arms (weapons)
- Side arms (weapons)
- Swords
- Side arms (weapons)
- Arms (weapons)
- Military engineering
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Biological sciences
- Zoology
- Animals
- Mythical creatures
- Dragons
- Chinese Dragons
- Dragons
- Mythical creatures
- Animals
- Zoology
- Biological sciences
Object type(s)
- visual works
- photographs
- Places
