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

ANDRÉ ADOLFE EUGÈNE DISDÉRI (1819-89)

James Bruce Elgin, 8th Earl of Elgin (1811-63)  

1876 after an original of c. 1860

Carbon print | 9.2 x 5.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2911098

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Earl of Elgin, standing, facing towards the camera. He leans his left hand on a table beside him and tucks his right hand into his jacket.

  • Creator(s)

    André Adolfe Eugène Disdéri (1819-89) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    James Bruce Elgin, 8th Earl (1811-63)

  • 9.2 x 5.9 cm (image)

    23.0 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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