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.

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

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

CHARLES CLIFFORD (1819-62)

Photographic Souvenir of Spain vol. I: Fountain of Neptune in the Prado, Madrid

c.1861

Albumen print | 31.0 x 42.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2700030

Photograph of the monumental fountain Fuente de Neptuno in Madrid. The fountain comprises a central sculpture of Neptune standing on a clam shell with a trident and a serpent wrapped around his right arm. The clam shell is propelled by two horses with fishes tails. The Museo del Prado can be seen through trees in the background.
  • Creator(s)

    Charles Clifford (1819-62) (photographer)

  • 31.0 x 42.5 cm (image)

    41.0 x 54.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Fuente de Neptuno, Madrid

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Spain
          • Madrid [Spain]
            • Prado [Madrid]
            • Fountain of Neptune [Madrid]
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Secular architecture
          • Fountains
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Neptune (mythology)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums