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

'Cradle presented by the City of Paris to the Prince Imperiale'

c.1856

Albumen print coloured with watercolour | 22 x 16.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2914269

Hand-coloured photograph of the elaborately carved and decorated cradle made for the Prince Imperial, only child of Napoléon III, Emperor of the French, and presented by the City of Paris

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Napoléon, Prince Imperial of the French (1856-79)

  • 22 x 16.7 cm (image)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Home economics
        • Furniture & accessories
          • Beds
            • Cradles
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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