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)

Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916)

Apr 1861

Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2910787

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Honourable Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916) seated, on a chair facing towards the camera. She rests her right arm on the back of the chair and places her right hand to her face. She holds a book open on her lap with her left hand.

Ponsonby was Maid of Honour from 1853 to 1861, then Extra Woman of the Bedchamber from 1895.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916)

  • annotation: The Hon: Mrs Ponsonby. [beneath work]

  • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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