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

María Francisca de Sales Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, Duchess of Alba (1825-60)

1860

Albumen print | 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2914226

Photograph of a full length portrait of María Francisca de Sales Portocarrero y Kirkpatrick, Duchess of Alba (1825-60) seated, facing three-quarters to the left. She turns her head and looks towards the camera. She rests her right arm on a table beside her and holds a book on her lap with her left hand, placing her right hand on top of the book.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

  • La Duchesse d'Albe. [beak] 1860./ Reproduced. 1874.

  • 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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