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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Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

AFTER WILLIAM DYCE (1806-64)

Neptune giving his crown to Britannia

c. 1868 copy after an original of 1854

Carbon print (copied from the original albumen print onto which it is pasted) | 9.9 x 15 cm (image) | RCIN 2800635

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 holding a neptune's trident signifying the resignation of the seas to Britannia, the latter who stands with a lion by her feet. 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)

    Attributed to William Bambridge (photographer)

  • 9.9 x 15 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
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