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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Horace Wigan (c.1851-85) in the 'Benicia Boy'

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913605

Photograph of a full length portrait of Horace Wigan (c.1851-85) standing, facing right, his face captured in profile. He holds both hands up in front of his chest, forming fists as if ready to fight. He poses beside a sign reading 'B.B.'. Wigan's stance refers to his character in the 'Benicia Boy', a play referring to the American fighter John C. Heenan (1834-73).

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Horace Wigan (c.1815-85)

  • annotation: H. Wigan in the 'Benicia Boy' [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.4 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.9 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
          • Benicia Boy, The-actors/actresses in roles
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.