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.

Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

AFTER WILLIAM DYCE (1806-64)

'Neptune giving his Crown to Britannia'

1854

Salted paper print | 9.7 x 15.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2905973

Photograph of a sketch in oil colours of Neptune astride three white horses as he hands his crown to a male angel wearing a winged helmet. Britannia stands on the right side of the photograph, placing her hand on the head of a lion who stands behind her. She holds Neptune's trident, signifying the resignation of the seas to Britannia.

The sketch by William Dyce was made in preparation for the fresco 'Neptune resigning the Empire of the Seas to Britannia' at Osborne House.
  • Creator(s)

    After William Dyce (1806-64) (artist)

    Philip Henry Delamotte (1821-89) (photographer)

  • 9.7 x 15.0 cm (image)

  • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Neptune (mythology)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Tridents
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Art
        • Paintings
          • Frescoes
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs