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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

Anna, Princess Frederick William of Hesse (1836-1918)

1860

Albumen print | 7.5 x 4.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2907829

Photograph of Anna, Princess Frederick William of Hesse, standing, facing left, her face captured in profile. She is depicted reading from a book that she holds open with both hands in front of her chest.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Anna of Prussia, Princess of Hesse-Kassel (1836-1918)
  • annotation: Anna, Princess F. William of Hesse,/ second daughter of/ Prince Charles of Prussia [beneath work]

  • 7.5 x 4.6 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Anna, Princess F.William of Hesse, second daughter of Prince Charles of Prussia, 1860. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Physical and Mental Activities
      • Reading (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite