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

Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88)

c. 1861

Albumen print | 4.0 x 3.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2117423

Photograph of a head and shoulder length portrait of Dr Ernst Becker. He faces towards the camera and turns his head slightly to the right, gazing away from the camera. He wears glasses, a bow tie, shirt, jacket and coat.

Becker was Prince Albert's Librarian. He was also a photographer and took many photographs of the royal household and royal children.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88)
  • 4.0 x 3.0 cm (image)

  • Acquired Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Precision mechanisms & instruments
          • Spectacles
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums