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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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

Charles James Mathews (1803-78)

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913648

Photograph of a bull length portrait of the British actor Charles James Mathews (1803-78) standing, facing towards the camera. He leans on a gate, to the left of the photograph. Behind the gate is a building.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Charles James Mathews (1803-78)

  • annotation: Mr Charles Matthews [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.6 x 5.1 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
          • Dramatists
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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