From the picture of Signor Luigi Lablache (1794-1858) by Franz Winterhalter

Photograph of a painted portrait by Winterhalter of Signor Lablache, head and shoulders length, facing the viewer. The original portrait by Winterhalter was described by Queen Victoria as 'a speaking likeness' of the celebrated bass-baritone Luigi Lablache (1794-1858). For over twenty years during the summer season Lablache gave the Queen singing lessons - she is said to have had a clear soprano voice - and in her Journal she regularly recounts her delight when seeing him perform on stage in his many guises.