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

CHARLES CLIFFORD (1819-62)

Photographic Souvenir of Spain Vol I: View of Madrid

c.1857

Albumen print | 25.0 x 43.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2700023

Photograph of a panoramic view of Madrid taken from a hillside. On the left stands the Royal Palace with the cityscape stretching out to the right. In the foreground is a horse and carriage and on the right a ploughed field. Madrid is situated within a basin bounded by Sierra Guadarrama and mountains of Toledo and Guadalupe.

  • Creator(s)

    Charles Clifford (1819-62) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Charles Clifford (1819-62)

  • 25.0 x 43.0 cm (image)

    41.0 x 54.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • View of Madrid

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Photography
        • Photographs
          • Photograph albums
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Spain
          • Madrid [Spain]
            • Palacio Real de Madrid [Madrid]
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Vehicles
          • Horse drawn vehicles
          • Simple transport
            • Carriages
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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