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

DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

'Count Alexander Mensdorff'

27 Sep 1853

Albumen print | 11.9 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2906506

Photograph of a three-quarters length portrait of Count Alexander Mensdorff (1813-71) standing, facing three-quarters to the left. He poses in front of a table, covered by a light colour table cloth. He holds a top hat in his left hand and looks down. Photograph taken at Balmoral.

  • Creator(s)

    Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

  • Count Alexander Mensdorff/Balmoral Sept. 27 1853

  • 11.9 x 5.2 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • Count Alexander Mensdorff, Balmoral, Sep 27th 1853 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
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