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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Grand Duke Sergei of Russia (1857-1905) with his sister Marie, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1853-1920), when Grand Duchess Marie of Russia

1861

Albumen print | 8.5 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2907922

Photograph of Grand Duke Sergei and his sister Grand Duchess Marie. Sergei is seated at a wooden table, facing a quarter to the right. He looks towards the camera and appears to be playing with toy soldiers or figurines. Marie stands on the right, looking towards the camera. She holds a small figurine in her right hand and places her left hand on the table.  

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Grand Duke Sergei of Russia (1857-1905)
    Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia, Duchess Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1853-1920)

  • annotation: The Grand-Duke Serge & Grand-Duchess Marie./ 1861. [beneath work]

  • 8.5 x 5.6 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Grand Duke Serge and Grand Duchess Marie. 1861. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Children
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Toys
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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