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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

James Sinclair, 14th Earl of Caithness (1821-81)

c. 1860

Albumen print | 9.0 x 4.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2910736

Photograph of a full length portrait of James Sinclair, 14th Earl of Caithness (1821-81) standing, facing towards the camera. He holds a top hat in his left hand and leans his right arm on a plinth.

Sinclair was Lord-in-Waiting from 1856 to 1858 and 1859 to 1866.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    James Sinclair, 14th Earl of Caithness (1821-81)
  • annotation: The Earl of Caithness. [beneath work]

  • 9.0 x 4.9 cm (image)

    9.8 x 5.6 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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