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) in 'The Loves of Arcadia'

c.1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913588

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actress Eleanor Swanborough (1840-93) standing, facing towards the camera. She bends her head slightly towards the left and looks towards the camera. She holds a staff with both hands in front of her. She is dressed in costume as a character in 'The Loves of Arcadia'.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Eleanor Swanborough (1840-93)
  • annotation: Mifs Swanborough,/ in "The Loves of Arcadia." [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 Queen Victoria

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