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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Eleanor Swanborough (1840-93) as Julia in 'The Hunchback'

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913587

Photograph of a full length portrait of Eleanor Swanborough (1840-93) standing, facing left. She turns her head and looks towards the camera. She is dressed as the character Julia in 'The Hunchback'. She poses in front of plinth, holding a plant in a vase, and a painted backdrop.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Eleanor Swanborough (1840-93)
  • annotation: Mifs Swanborough / as Julia, in "The Hunchback". [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.4 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.5 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite