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.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

MAYER FRÈRES

Eugénie de Montijo (1826-1920)

1854

Albumen print | 17.5 x 14.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2906589

Photograph of a three-quarter length portrait of Eugénie de Montijo (1826-1920), Empress of the French, standing, facing three-quarters to the left. She gazes ahead, away from the camera. She poses with her hands clasped in front of her. Photograph signed by creator.

  • Creator(s)

    Mayer Frères (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Eugénie, Empress of the French (1826-1920)

  • 17.5 x 14.3 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • Eugénie, Empress of the French, 1854 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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