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

Lady Caroline Ponsonby, Countess Bessborough (1819-1890)

1859

Albumen print | 7.7 x 5.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2910694

Photograph of a full length portrait of Lady Caroline Ponsonby, Countess Bessborough (1819-1890) seated at a table, facing three-quarters to the right. She looks ahead, away from the camera. She rest her left arm on the table.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Lady Caroline Ponsonby, Countess Bessborough (1819-1890)

  • annotation: Countefs of Bessborough [beneath work]

  • 7.7 x 5.1 cm (image)

    9.0 x 5.9 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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