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

Maria Brudenell-Bruce, 2nd Marchioness of Ailesbury (1813-92)

1860

Albumen print | 8.6 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2910759

Photograph of a full length portrait of Maria Brudenell-Bruce, 2nd Marchioness of Ailesbury (1813-92) standing, facing right. She looks ahead, her face captured in profile. She places her hands on the back of a chair. She poses in front of a painted backdrop.
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Maria Brudenell-Bruce, Marchioness of Ailesbury (1813-92)
  • annotation: The Marchioness of Ailesbury. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.4 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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