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

DISDÉRI ET CIE. : 8 BOULEVART DES ITALIENS, PARIS

M. Massal

c.1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913564

Photograph of the performer M. Massal standing, facing halfway to the left. He turns his head towards the camera and looks to the right. He poses with his left hand tucked into his pocket and he holds a top hat in his right hand.

  • Creator(s)

    Disdéri et Cie. : 8 Boulevart des Italiens, Paris (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Massal, M. (fl.1860)
  • annotation: M. Mafsal [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 5.9 cm (mount)

    8.7 x 5.3 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite