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.

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Landscape, Nature and Architecture

Technological improvements enabled Prince Albert to collect photographs of places that were significant to him

AIMÉ CIVIALE (1821-93)

La Mer de Glace et les Aiguilles de Leschaux 3780m.

1859-68

Poitevin process | 35.4 x 26.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2370837

Photograph of Mer de Glace in the French Alps. The glacier's meandering route leads to Aiguilles de Leschaux, a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif.

  • Creator(s)

    Aimé Civiale (1821-93) (artist)

  • 35.4 x 26.4 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Mont Blanc
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Earth sciences
        • Geology
          • Glaciers
    • Geography
      • Physiography
        • Mountains
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Italy
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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