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

Émile de Girardin (1802-81)

1860

Albumen print | 9.1 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2914067

Photograph of a full length portrait of Émile de Girardin seated at a table, facing halfway towards the right. He gazes down at a book he holds open on the table with his left hand. He poses with his legs crossed.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Emil de Girardin (1802-81)
  • 9.1 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Physical and Mental Activities
      • Reading (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs