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

CALDESI, BLANFORD & CO

Giovanni Matteo Mario (1810-83) in 'Rigoletto'

c.1880 copy of an original of c.1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913653

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Italian opera singer Giovanni Matteo Mario (1810-83) standing, facing towards the camera. He looks towards the left. He places his right hand on top of a table and holds a plumed hat in his left hand. He is dressed as the Duke in 'Rigoletto'.

  • Creator(s)

    Caldesi, Blanford & Co (photographer)

    Previously attributed to Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Giovanni Matteo Mario (1810-83)

  • annotation: Sir Mario as the Duke, in/ "Rigoletto" [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.1 cm (mount)

    8.8 x 5.5 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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