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

Empress Carlota, Dowager Empress of Mexico (1840-1927), when Archduchess Charlotte of Austria and Madame de Beauvais

1862

Albumen print | 8.8 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2908023

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Archduchess Charlotte of Austria, later Empress Carlota, Dowager Empress of Mexico (1840-1927) and Madame de Beauvais. The Archduchess is seated outdoors on a bench. She holds a book that is being passed to her by Madame de Beauvais who stands to the Archduchess's left. A small dog lies at the feet of the Archduchess.

In 1857 Charlotte married her second cousin Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who in 1864 became Emperor of Mexico.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Empress Carlota of Mexico (1840-1927)
    Madame Beauvais (fl.1862)
  • 8.8 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.7 x 6.4 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

    23.9 x 19.4 x 5.9 cm (album)

  • Archduchess Charlotte of Austria and Mme de Beauvais, 1862. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.49]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Dogs
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite